A statement from SHARC about the Silver Review
SHARC has serious concerns about the implications of the Silver Review and its associated reforms on the inclusion of lived experience leadership within Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system. Released last Thursday, the Review proposes cuts to Victoria’s public service, including a tranche of money-saving measures related to mental health. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s […]
Strategy charts ambitious path for system reform
SHARC welcomes the launch of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025–2035. The strategy, released yesterday by Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, is designed to reduce the incidence and impact of AOD-related harms in Victoria. It also aims to equip the AOD system to meet the needs of individuals, families, supporters, and diverse communities. The focus […]
The Regina Brindle Grant Program is now open!
SHARC is supporting consumer-led projects, with grants of up to $5000 for people with lived and living experience of alcohol, drug, gambling, or mental health challenges, with family members and supporters also welcome to apply. This grant honours Regina Brindle’s work in promoting consumer voices and supports projects that reduce stigma, foster community and uphold […]
Lived experience projects evolve thanks to agency insights
Participants in The Learning Collaborative, the landmark Lived and Living Experience Workforce initiative led by SHARC, have reached a significant milestone. The 11 alcohol and other drug and mental health agencies taking part in the 12-month pilot have successfully completed the first half of the project. In addition to an ongoing formal learning program, the […]
Gathering to remember on overdose awareness day
The lives of those lost to overdose will be honoured at an event hosted by SHARC on 1 September 2025. The gathering is being held to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. This initiative acknowledges the profound impact of the loss of loved ones to overdose, while raising […]
Acknowledging our Volunteers
This week is National Volunteer Week. SHARC would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful volunteers who support our Family Drug and Gambling Helpline, support groups and other program areas. Every day our volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of so many. Our volunteers in addition to connecting with communities, are able to continue […]
Lived experience learning ramps up for LLEAH
The testing and pilot phases of the Lived and Living Experience at Heart program, or LLEAH, are well underway. Launched in November 2024, LLEAH is an organisational support program for Victoria’s mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. It aims to ensure the invaluable contributions of Lived and Living Experience Workers (LLEW) are […]
Regina Brindle Grant Recipient 2025
We are pleased to announce, Inner South Family and Friends (ISFAF), a voluntary group of family and supporters, as this year’s recipient. Their committed members have been calling for change in the mental health service system for over 30 years. ISFAF plans to use the grant to host a weekend retreat in Bendigo. The goal […]
Together we rise, SHARC’s CEO tells packed Forum
Lived experience workers are more united and more fierce than ever before, Clare Davies told the 2025 Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) Forum in Melbourne on Thursday. In a rousing keynote speech, she urged LLE workers across the alcohol and other drug and mental health sectors to stay connected and open to each other’s […]
High-Impact Honour for Manal
Warmest congratulations to SHARC’s Manal Shehab, whose tireless efforts to end family violence in faith and diverse communities have been recognised with a national award. Manal has been named the 2025 Woman of Impact by migrant and refugee settlement agency, AMES Australia. The annual award acknowledges women who make a significant difference in the lives […]