Statewide Trauma Service Naming
What is the statewide trauma service?
The Mental Health Statewide Trauma Service (STS) was recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System (2021).
This recommendation acknowledged that trauma is beneath many of the challenges faced by those using mental health services, and drives much of the harm caused by the system. The STS is being co-designed in an effort led by Phoenix Australia in collaboration with the Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency; Australian Psychological Society; Austin Health; Mindful; Foundation House; Berry Street; Orygen; SANE Australia; Royal Women?s Hospital/CASA House; The Bouverie Centre;Melbourne Health/Inner West Mental Health & Thorne Harbour Health.
The STS will work with and across Victoria's Public Mental Health and Wellbeing System to support people of all ages who have been impacted by trauma. It coordinates the efforts of trauma-focused services and leads referral pathways so people can access the support they need.
To do this, the STS will have three core functions:
1. To lead research that translates into meaningful outcomes for trauma survivors;
2. To increase the capacity of the overall workforce to recognise and respond to trauma
3. To design and deliver care and support services
The STS is currently in the co-design and setup phase, and we expect to commence services in 2026.
Help us find a better name than 'Statewide trauma service'! We want the STS to have an approachable name that is clear on its purpose, is culturally and linguistically safe and hard to confuse with existing services or physical trauma services.
