A central feature of the approach taken with specialist mental health services is in the direction of establishing equal partnerships through coaching, mentoring, training and assisting with internal planning processes. Engagement with services focuses on developing a core group of skilled clinicians and mental health workers, or local ‘champions’, who receive continued support and resources from the VTPU. Assistance in this area can be provided by requesting:

1) A CONSULTANCY
Based on exploration of local capacity and willingness to partner with VTPU to improve services for CALD communities. Cultural Portfolio Holders (CPH’s) are linked with and supported by VTPU. They are a pivotal link in establishing a core group of local staff with an interest in building on existing clinical skills, organizational initiatives, and local social capital.

2) PARTNERSHIP PLANNING
Following a consultation VTPU staff work with local Cultural Portfolio Holders and key staff to develop service partnerships. Strategies are focused on community initiatives and local partnerships as well as clinical issues. The VTPU continues to work with other state-wide partners to compliment and inform the range of services available to CALD clients. We welcome feedback and advice on our programs and strategies to enable improved service delivery. Assistance in this area can be provided by requesting:

• A CALD service development consultation and partnership planning meeting with VTPU staff
• Extended involvement of VTPU in local CALD issue training, planning, and strategic development
• Assistance with internal planning and policy initiatives
• Coaching and mentoring on CALD issues for key staff and departments
• Extended VTPU support and resources for Cultural Portfolio Holders and CALD interest groups
• Assistance with community development initiatives
• Extended links between CPH’s and VTPU
• Greater involvement in VTPU programs, strategies and feedback forums

VTPU operate an external enquiry and clinical support line from 9am to 5pm daily (this service can also be accessed by using this website or emailing vtpu@svhm.org.au). Staff in specialist mental health services and PDRR’s can call 9288 3300 to obtain:

• access to cultural information
• case discussions
• assessment/case management training,
• on-site service development consultations.

In 2009 the VTPU is offering a course in cultural competence consisting of six stand alone modules. Education initiatives are targeted towards complimenting service development initiatives including human resource development, organizational, and strategic issues. Staff in specialist mental health services can negotiate with consultants to complete individual modules or all six within a six month period or over a longer time frame. It is recommended that Cultural Portfolio Holders complete the course as soon as possible. A monthly seminar series continues to present and encourage discussion on topical issues relevant to the field. Assistance in this area can be provided by requesting:

• A training needs analysis through service consultations
• Enrolling for individual modules, seminars or the six module cultural competence course
• Requesting training in specific CALD related areas in support of partnership goals

Research and evaluation projects continue to provide evidence for the work of the VTPU. Strong links with the Centre for International Mental Health at Melbourne University promote information flow and dissemination. Research activities relevant to specialist mental health services are encouraged. Assistance in this area can be provided by requesting:

• Assistance with evaluating local initiatives
• Advice on research initiatives
• Relevant CALD data from national and state-wide data bases
• Resources and information