40+ signatories standing together for APSU
Yesterday, we officially launched our open letter calling for sustainable funding for APSU, a program of SHARC for more than 25 years. Thank you to the 40+ organisations and individuals who have signed on so far and stood alongside us. Together, we’re showing the support for APSU and the crucial role people with lived […]
Save the date for our AGM in November
SHARC’s 31st Annual General Meeting will be held in November. This year’s theme, Together we rise: the power of community, reflects what SHARC has always been about: shared experience, mutual support and collective action. The AGM is an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been, hear from compelling speakers and connect with community. […]
Have your say: Peer Cadet and Pilot Placement Program evaluation
Were you involved in the Peer Cadet Program or Pilot Placement Program? SHARC is currently evaluating the Victorian Government-funded Peer Cadet Program (PCP) and Pilot Placement Program (PPP), and we want to hear from people who took part between 2021 and 2026 as part of completing a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. This […]
SHARC urges government to protect life-saving online information
Friday September 25th, 2026 SHARC has called on the government to ensure efforts to improve online safety are not at the expense of people seeking support for drug and alcohol challenges. The draft digital duty of care bill aims to reduce harm in digital environments but there are fears it may also stifle public health […]
SHARC’s Reform Recommendations Reflected in Government Report
A national inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs has addressed key issues and recommendations presented by SHARC and APSU. They include LLE peer workforce development, equity, Aboriginal self-determination, improved data collection, alcohol delivery and advertising, harm reduction, and longer-term sector sustainability. The inquiry’s final report, released last week, makes 30 recommendations […]
The Learning Collaborative (TLC) applications open soon
Expressions of interest open soon for participation in The Learning Collaborative (TLC), the ground-working workforce development initiative led by SHARC and Yale University, US. TLC aims to create thriving workforces and service users and enhance service delivery by centring Lived and Living Experience (LLE) in mental health and drug and alcohol service delivery organisations. The program is open to Victoria-based organisations interested in establishing an LLE Workforce (LLEW) or evolving their existing LLEW […]
International Overdose Awareness Day – 25 years on, still needed.
Yesterday, we marked 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day. Alongside Penington Institute, we came together to remember the people we’ve lost to overdose, reflect on how we can support those in our community who are at risk, and have a conversation about what needs to change to prevent more overdose deaths. The event was […]
Practising what we preach: a conversation on lived experience leadership
Last week, our APSU Manager Emer Diviney presented with Tharindu Jayadeva and Anita Conlon, facilitated by Mary O’Hagan, at TheMHS Learning Network Inc. Conference about the importance of meaningful lived experience participation. Together, they led a discussion with members of the audience about what our role is, as individuals and as a collective, in making […]
Building stronger connections with First Nations communities in South-West Victoria
A few weeks ago, Glenn and Laura from Family Drug and Gambling Help (FDGH) at SHARC had the privilege of attending two community events in Hamilton and Heywood, hosted by Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation. Winda-Mara is an Aboriginal community organisation based in South-West Victoria. They work to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families to […]
The Learning Collaborative (TLC) participants progressing strongly in 2026 program
The 2026 cohort of participants in The Learning Collaborative (TLC) are now several months into the program and have been making great strides. The current TLC cohort includes: Cohealth Grampians Health Neami National Orygen Bayside Health Peninsula The Royal Children’s Hospital Turning Point Uniting Windana The Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing and the Department […]