The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC), established in 1987, provides free and confidential legal services for Victorians experiencing mental health issues in the community, in treatment facilities, and in prisons through our multi‑disciplinary legal service, education, research and advocacy work.
Our vision for MHLC:
The specialist mental health legal centre that is recognised for
its capacity to lead wisely and respond effectively to the needs
of the community.
Our vision for the community in Victoria:
A community where every person experiencing mental ill health,
psychosocial disability, or vulnerability knows and can exercise
their legal and human rights, and where systemic legal and policy
change ensures dignity, safety, and equity for all.
Purpose:
Rights, Choice, Agency
To deliver specialist legal services, systemic advocacy, and
rights-based education for people experiencing mental ill health and
psychosocial disability or vulnerability ensuring rights, choice,
and agency are upheld across Australia.
Autonomy
Helping clients and consumers understand they have a choice over what they do.
Connectedness
We understand the need to feel connected and belongingness with others both on an individual consumer and client basis and our other stakeholders.
Empathy
We empathise and seek to understand our consumers and clients’ situation and deliver person centred communication and advice with sensitivity and compassion.
Expertise
Because of our experience within a mental health and legal framework we are recognised as having expertise in the services that we deliver. Always taking into account the knowledge of those who have lived experience.
Fearless advocacy
We are fearless advocates to achieve our mission and vision for consumers and clients.
Feel free to send us a message via email to mhlc@mhlc.org.au or phone us on (03) 9629 4422 if you have more questions.
Contact us