Improving mental wellbeing and social connection

In 2023, 25.7% of Yarra Ranges adult residents (compared to 19.1% across Victoria) reported high/very high levels of psychological distress, ranking third highest in the state.
In 2023, 24% of Yarra Ranges residents had sought help with a mental health problem (compared to 20.1% across Victoria), ranking ninth highest in the state.
In 2020, 10.3% of residents had been diagnosed with a mental health condition (compared with 8.8% across Victoria). Prevalence is highest amongst 15–24-year-olds (13.3%), 25–34-year-olds (14.7%), 35–44-year-olds (14.1%) and 45–54-year-olds (12.4%).

Support community organisations to help people feel more connected through activities, clubs, sport, libraries, volunteering, and festivals.
Advocate to improve access to mental health services and increase social and affordable housing.
Build and maintain open spaces, parks, playgrounds, trails and community facilities that promote mental wellbeing and social connection.
Support long-term community-led mental health initiatives that reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to co-design initiatives that integrate Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
Support programs that address the mental health impacts of natural hazards and climate change, such as community preparedness workshops and emergency relief networks.

Free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was rolled to the local community.
Council has partnered with projects that promote positive mental health, including the Living Stories Project.
Council’s Housing Strategy aims to enhance housing diversity and affordability to reduce homelessness and support varied life stages.
The Pathways for Carers program supports carers of people with a disability or mental illness.
Council’s Grants for Community Program supports local groups and artists.
Council has collaborated with community in a number of Place Planning projects to understand needs and priorities, and to support long-term community wellbeing.

Shaping Yarra Ranges