Mental Health Mentoring Program

Mental Health Mentoring

This program offers people managers in Victorian mental health and AoD services a supported environment to reflect, learn, practice and refine coaching and mentoring skills to integrate into their leadership toolkit. Through practical scenarios and real-world applications, leaders will explore with peers from across the sector, how these skills align with their current work practices.

Grounded in a strengths-based approach, program graduates will be equipped to use coaching and mentoring conversations to foster trust-based, collaborative relationships and empower their teams to deliver their highest level of performance.

With support from the Victorian Department of Health this program is currently being delivered to eligible people managers in state funded mental health or AoD services and programs in Victoria at no cost to their organisations.

The program builds on insights gained from the highly successful Mental Health Mentoring Program Pilot delivered between October-December 2023, as well as ten subsequent iterations. The overall aims of the program are to contribute to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommendations and Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-24 by providing participants with the skills to support the safety, wellbeing and retention of the mental health and wellbeing workforce in their service setting.

Led by industry leaders, the training consists of eight half-day online or 4 full-day in-person learning sessions, informal reflective practice sessions, and peer-led practice opportunities, offering a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

On completion of the program...

This program is ideal for:

New or established people leaders in Victorian mental health services
Those seeking clarity around the difference between mentoring, coaching, line management and clinical supervision, and how and when to move between these roles.
Those with little to no experience using coaching and mentoring frameworks in a professional context; or those wanting to enhance and strengthen their existing practice.

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Program learning goals:

By the end of this program, it is anticipated that participants will be able to:

Set and achieve individual goals in relation to mentoring and coaching in their workplace. 
Demonstrate an understanding of mentoring and coaching frameworks, processes, models and principles. 
Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between mentoring/coaching / clinical supervision/line management and when to take up these roles 
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the existing knowledge, skills and strengths and experience they bring into their coaching and mentoring roles. 
Demonstrate a range of coaching skills such as asking powerful questions, using the 80/20 rule, using silence, asking rather than advising, using strengths-based approaches, and working with people in change and transition. 
Demonstrate an understanding of factors to consider when coaching someone with lived or living experience of mental illness.
Understand change frameworks, and how to apply these when coaching/mentoring people experiencing change. 
Understand and identify key quality, safety and wellbeing matters related to coaching/mentoring and how best to address these when they arise.  
Identify the individual and organisational factors that impact the successful implementation of mentoring and coaching programs within their service settings. 
Identify a range of implementation strategies for taking learning back to their organisations.  
Identify a peer group that they can access for support in implementing learning in relation to coaching and mentoring. 
Understand personal views about lived experience and how they impact on their role as coach. 
Understand the differences between working from your lived experience in a designated role vs having lived experience. 
Recognise and understand the power dynamics at play in coaching 
Be able to choose when to move out of the role of coach into that of line manager/clinical supervisor and have a clear plan for when a duty of care is triggered.

What participants are saying

“Since completing the program, my coaching and mentoring skills have deepened, particularly in active listening, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive environment. I've learned to focus more on asking, open-ended questions that lead to self-reflection and growth. I have applied these skills in my team by leading regular check-ins, mentoring new team members, and encouraging others to set clear goals and action plans" - Acting Director Allied Health, Northern Health

“I think both [coaching and mentoring] enhance reflective practice and critical thinking, which ultimately improves the quality and safety of consumer care. Critical thinking is a key skill that I believe is often lost in the course of current general education. I also feel my strategic thinking is improved.” - Service Manager, Eastern Health

“The most valuable experiences I had during this course was that using the GROW model is easier to apply than I had originally thought. Being able to practice using the model also reinforced that conversations can be very powerful and can promote creative, reflective and insightful outcomes. I have applied the GROW model in supervision with my team which has led to a more thorough understanding of who my team are, what is important to them, their strengths and motivations to continue working within the mental health space. ” - Program Manager, Cohealth

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Program content and structure

VHA’s MHM is delivered in eight half-day online or 4 full-day in-person learning sessions. A focus on practice, peer learning and reflection are significantly embedded in the design of the program. The application of learning in these sessions is supported by small group peer practice opportunities and a facilitated reflective practice session.

Online program	In-person program	Session	Length
Week 1	Week 1	An introduction to Coaching and Mentoring This session lays the foundation for meaningful learning, peer connection, and reflection on individual goals while exploring the distinct roles of coaching, mentoring, supervising, and line managing. Participants will uncover the transformative benefits of mentoring, consider opportunities for impactful mentoring relationships, and be introduced to the GROW model as a practical framework to support coaching and mentoring conversations.	3 hours
Week 2	Week 1	Exploring frameworks and tools to use in coaching conversations Delve into the core principles of coaching, exploring what it is—and what it is not. Learn key models and frameworks to enhance your coaching and mentoring conversations, and discover practical strategies for identifying and setting meaningful goals. Gain hands-on experience with powerful coaching questions that drive insight and action. Finally, reflect on the importance of self-care and strategies to sustain your well-being while supporting others in this transformative work. We will establish peer coaching circles to deepen connections and opportunities to practice your skills.	3 hours
Week 3	Week 2	Strengths-based coaching and mentoring Revisit the distinct roles of coaching, mentoring, line management, and clinical supervision, and explore how to apply them effectively in your setting. Identify your unique strengths, align them with proven frameworks, and harness the power of strengths-based coaching and mentoring to foster growth.	3 hours
Week 4	Week 2	Coaching and mentoring through change Explore the psychology of change and its impact on emotions, relationships, and well-being. Learn to navigate change in your service setting by understanding its effects on individuals, teams, and organizations, while applying principles and models of change. Practice coaching and mentoring conversations that empower others to adapt and thrive through transformation.	3 hours
Week 5	Week 3	Peer reflective practice session	1 hour
Week 6	Week 4	Peer reflective practice session	1 hour
Week 7	Week 5	Coaching and mentoring in the context of Lived and Living Experience Reflect on your experience working with people with lived and living experience, and explore how mentoring and coaching can support their growth while considering key frameworks, good practice principles, and organizational responses. Examine the role of Intentional Peer Support and reflect on power dynamics in mentoring relationships to create an empowering, supportive environment.	3 hours
Week 8	Week 5	Ethics, Risk, Quality & Safety in the coaching and mentoring context Explore key ethics, quality, safety, and risk frameworks that support effective mentoring and coaching relationships, and identify potential challenges that may arise in these areas. Reflect on the importance of self-care and reflective practice, and learn how to integrate these principles into your coaching and mentoring role to maintain well-being and ethical integrity.	3 hours
Week 9	Week 6	Pulling it all together and taking it back to the workplace Boost your confidence in applying the tools and skills you've gained throughout the program, and define how these skills will be used in your service or program setting. Reflect on the importance of self-reflection in supporting effective mentoring and coaching, and explore your personal coaching style to identify areas for continued growth and development.	3 hours
Week 10	Week 6	Reflections and celebrations Demonstrate the skills and insights you've gained throughout the program, and define how these will be applied in your service setting to drive positive impact. Share key learnings with your peer cohort, and celebrate the progress and achievements made on your professional journey.	3 hours

Your expert facilitators

Facilitator	Experience
Donna Markham	Adj Associate Professor Donna Markham is the former Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer, a certified organisational coach and registered occupational therapist who has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. Donna established her own business in 2021, Disequilibrium, the sweet spot where growth occurs - coaching and supporting professionals in the workplace as well as providing facilitation and consultancy services. Donna has held leadership roles within health services and the Victorian government, and has worked across health, disability and community sectors. She is a mum of two boys and advocates for the important role women play both at home and in the workplace, particularly in executive leadership positions. Donna is passionate about the importance of self-care and well-being. Donna was a finalist for the Telstra Victorian Young Business Women's Award in 2014 and is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Donna was awarded a medal of order (OAM) in 2022 for her contributions to health care administration. Find out more at Donna Markham OAM \| LinkedIn
Daniel Lonard	With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Dan Lonard is the founder of inwardreach, a coaching and consulting organisation that supports individuals and teams to reach their potential and bring the best version of themselves to work and life. Dan is family-focused with a partner and two boys and enjoys living in nature in the hills on the outskirts of Melbourne. He is a keen gardener, camper, and focused on self-improvement. He is passionate about the changing role of men at home and in the workplace and being part of the conversation on healthy masculinity. Dan has a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography), Master of Business Administration and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (Level 2 Certification). Find out more at Daniel Lonard \| LinkedIn and inwardreach
Kerrie Walter	Kerrie Walter is a registered physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience in health care. Throughout her career, she has held leadership, consultancy, project management and expert clinician roles in acute health and community health sectors, state government, and in public and private organisations. Kerrie is a certified executive and leadership coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and focused on building effective teams by empowering individuals to realise their full potential in the pursuit of optimal service delivery and consumer experience of care. Passionate about effective and sustainable workforce solutions, service delivery and continuous service improvement, Kerrie has completed studies in improvement science at the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and is a recognised IHI Improvement Advisor. Find out more at Kerrie Walter \| LinkedIn

Facilitator

Experience

Donna Markham

Adj Associate Professor Donna Markham is the former Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer, a certified organisational coach and registered occupational therapist who has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. Donna established her own business in 2021, Disequilibrium, the sweet spot where growth occurs - coaching and supporting professionals in the workplace as well as providing facilitation and consultancy services.

Donna has held leadership roles within health services and the Victorian government, and has worked across health, disability and community sectors. She is a mum of two boys and advocates for the important role women play both at home and in the workplace, particularly in executive leadership positions. Donna is passionate about the importance of self-care and well-being.

Donna was a finalist for the Telstra Victorian Young Business Women's Award in 2014 and is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Donna was awarded a medal of order (OAM) in 2022 for her contributions to health care administration.

Find out more at Donna Markham OAM | LinkedIn

Daniel Lonard

With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Dan Lonard is the founder of inwardreach, a coaching and consulting organisation that supports individuals and teams to reach their potential and bring the best version of themselves to work and life.

Dan is family-focused with a partner and two boys and enjoys living in nature in the hills on the outskirts of Melbourne. He is a keen gardener, camper, and focused on self-improvement. He is passionate about the changing role of men at home and in the workplace and being part of the conversation on healthy masculinity.

Dan has a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography), Master of Business Administration and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (Level 2 Certification).

Find out more at Daniel Lonard | LinkedIn and inwardreach

Kerrie Walter

Kerrie Walter is a registered physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience in health care. Throughout her career, she has held leadership, consultancy, project management and expert clinician roles in acute health and community health sectors, state government, and in public and private organisations.

Kerrie is a certified executive and leadership coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and focused on building effective teams by empowering individuals to realise their full potential in the pursuit of optimal service delivery and consumer experience of care.

Passionate about effective and sustainable workforce solutions, service delivery and continuous service improvement, Kerrie has completed studies in improvement science at the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and is a recognised IHI Improvement Advisor.

Find out more at Kerrie Walter | LinkedIn

Join the waitlist

Due to overwhelming interest and limited capacity, not all eligible individuals were able to receive a sponsored place in FY2025. While future funding for additional program rounds has not yet been confirmed, the VHA is currently exploring options for potential delivery in FY2026. By submitting an expression of interest, you will be added to our waitlist and contacted if new opportunities become available.

Join the waitlist

Contact

For further information, please contact vha@vha.org.au

Level 6, 136 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Vic 3000, Australia (+61) 3 9094 7777