A new statutory entity, Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria (YMHWV) will be established to address the emerging evidence of the youth mental health crisis. Establishment of Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing goes beyond the recommendations of the Royal Commission, in recognition of the need to do more to address the unique experience of mental health and wellbeing issues by young people in Victoria.

Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria will be established from 1 September 2023 when the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act takes effect.

Applications for board members for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria are now open.

7-9 board members, including a chairperson, will be appointed. The composition of the board will include:

• at least two young people (aged 18 to 25) who identify as experiencing or having experienced mental illness or psychological distress
• one young person (aged 18 to 25) who identifies as caring for or supporting, or having cared for or supported a person with mental illness or psychological distress; and
• one member of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Board.