The Victorian Government has confirmed funding that will secure the future of an agency that will give people with a mental illness the opportunity to help others in the same situation.

 

State Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge, said that the State Government will provide annual funding of $255,000 over four years to the Our Consumer Place imitative.

 

Our Consumer Place was established in 2007 with time-limited funding to produce a range of web-based material developed by people with a mental illness.

 

“It is important that people with a mental illness have the opportunity to help others in the same situation and that they feel their views and contributions are valued,” Ms Wooldridge said.

 

“The Our Consumer Place website averages 1,500 hits per day and more than 4,000 people have attended training workshops.”

 

“Up to 1,000 people with a mental illness are available at any given time to provide advice and help in the production of materials.”

 

Founding member of Our Consumer Place, Merinda Epstein, welcomed the Coalition Government’s decision.

 

For more information about Our Consumer Place, visit www.ourconsumerplace.com.au