Our mission

We are the Centre for Mental Health Nursing. We advance the science and art of mental health nursing practice. We build the capabilities of mental health nurses to co-create system and practice change in partnership with people with a lived experience of mental health service use, their families/carers and with other professions.

The CentreMHN’s mission

We are the Centre for Mental Health Nursing.

We advance the science and art of mental health nursing practice.

We build the capabilities of mental health nurses to co-create system and practice change in partnership with people with a lived experience of mental health service use, their families/carers and with other professions.

Our values

Our work is underpinned by the values of The University of Melbourne:

Collaboration | Respect | Teamwork | Accountability | Integrity | Compassion

The principles that underpin our work

A focus on mental health nursing practice – Mental health nurses are integral to mental health care provision. Our focus is on supporting and optimising nursing practice for people and their families and supporters.

Standing and walking together – We promote and model true partnerships between mental health nurses, people with lived experience, carers, family members and the nursing and mental health professions to co-produce meaningful, transformational change in the mental health system.

Closing evidence to practice gaps – We draw on the best available evidence and research to close evidence-practice gaps in mental health care. We conduct research in areas where the evidence base is lacking. When we use the term ‘evidence’ we mean the latest scientific evidence and evidence derived from lived experience of mental health services.

A wellbeing focus – We take an holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing – the social, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing of a person in the context of their whole life, what matters to them and their human rights. Our wellbeing focus encompasses mental health nurses and the people they serve.

Diversity and inclusion – We engage broadly and consult widely to ensure our work is informed by a diversity of voices and experiences.

Connected to contemporary practice – Our work is informed by contemporary mental health nursing practice and lived experience perspectives and through strong connections and relationships with the mental health sector.

Our priorities

1. Sustainability – Strengthen the foundations of the CentreMHN

2. Enhance practice – Advance the art and science of mental health nursing practice

3. Translational research – Build the evidence base for mental health nursing practice and drive the translation of evidence into policy and practice

4. Advocacy – Raise the voices of mental health nurses and partner with people with lived experience