At Spiritual Health Association (SHA), we are committed to advancing the understanding and significance of spiritual care as an essential domain of healthcare.
Our ongoing advocacy efforts are anchored by the inspiring work of the Spiritual Health Lived Experience Advisory Committee (SHLEAC), as well as active participation in various panels, councils, and committees, both locally and internationally, amplifying the importance of spiritual care in diverse healthcare settings.
Additionally, we actively engage in policy, research, and budget submissions to ensure that spiritual care receives the recognition and resources it deserves in the healthcare landscape.
SHLEAC formed in June 2021 to raise awareness through leadership, education and consultation of the need, importance, and place of spiritual care in mental health care. SHLEAC will achieve this by contributing to the Victorian Mental Health Reform process via the principles of co-design and co-production.
As the host organisation, SHA welcomes the expertise and guidance from the advisory committee members Evan Bichara, Maria Dimopoulous, Tess Marotta and Betty Do. The committee is led by SHA's Mental Health Leader, Jenny Greenham.
View the SHLEAC Vision and Statement of Purpose.
SHA provides representation at:
The loss of SHA's government funding jeopardises not only the delivery of faith-specific care in Victoria, but also SHA's pivotal role in advancing spiritual care nationwide. In response, SHA mobilized an extensive campaign, engaging local and federal MPs, and rallying the support of health services, education providers, media outlets, spiritual care practitioners and the public, through writing and social media campaigns.
Visit the campaign page to learn more.
SHA advocated for investment in spiritual care in the health sector in the 2023/24 Federal Budget to expand the availability and accessibility of spiritual care as an integral part of safe, high-quality holistic healthcare.