About Us
Health Issues Centre is the peak consumer health agency in Victoria. For almost four decades we have championed consumer and community engagement in the health system, empowering those with lived experience to be active participants in its improvement.
Meaningful consumer and community engagement is fundamental to providing safe, quality health care. As we enter this next phase in our organisation’s history we will continue to play a leading role in health system transformation by passionately advocating for and supporting best-practice engagement.
In 2023, we have developed a new strategic plan to guide and focus our efforts for the next five years.
Health Issues Centre is the peak consumer health agency in Victoria. For almost four decades we have championed consumer and community engagement in the health system, empowering those with lived experience to be active participants in its improvement.
Meaningful consumer and community engagement is fundamental to providing safe, quality health care. As we enter this next phase in our organisation’s history we will continue to play a leading role in health system transformation by passionately advocating for and supporting best-practice engagement.
In 2023, we have developed a new strategic plan to guide and focus our efforts for the next five years.
The terms we use
Language is a powerful tool. No single set of definitions can describe how every person experiences their health and wellbeing, or how they define themselves. We acknowledge the diversity of preferences and know that not everyone will agree with the terms we have chosen. It is always our intention to be inclusive and respectful.
Consumers
People with lived and living experience of health conditions, care, harm and recovery including carers, family members and supporters.
Community
People with an interest in improving the health system, including potential health service users and volunteers.
Engagement
People with an interest in improving the health system, including potential health service users and volunteers.
Our values
Our guiding principles
We are authentic
We are authenticWe are transparent and open. We live our values by embedding consumer and community engagement into our practice.
We advocate for equity
We advocate for equityWe know that personal agency and access to the resources and opportunities required to achieve and maintain good health are not available to all. We seek to understand, acknowledge and address these barriers.
We partner
We partnerWe develop lasting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and collaboration. We enable people to participate safely, wholeheartedly and as equals.
We listen
We listenWe hear and value the thoughts of every person with whom we engage, especially those who are least heard or unheard.
We are holistic
We are holisticWe recognise the diverse mix of individual characteristics, behaviours and cultures that make us human, and how physical, social and economic environments affect a person’s health and wellbeing.
We are always learning
We are always learningWe are continuously learning and honing our craft. We learn from our mistakes and bring a growth mindset to our work.
We are accountable
We are accountableWe take personal and collective responsibility for our words, actions and results.
Our guiding principles
We are authentic
We are transparent and open. We live our values by embedding consumer and community engagement into our practice.
We advocate for equity
We know that personal agency and access to the resources and opportunities required to achieve and maintain good health are not available to all. We seek to understand, acknowledge and address these barriers.
We partner
We develop lasting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and collaboration. We enable people to participate safely, wholeheartedly and as equals.
We listen
We hear and value the thoughts of every person with whom we engage, especially those who are least heard or unheard.
We are holistic
We recognise the diverse mix of individual characteristics, behaviours and cultures that make us human, and how physical, social and economic environments affect a person’s health and wellbeing.
We are always learning
We are continuously learning and honing our craft. We learn from our mistakes and bring a growth mindset to our work.
We are accountable
We take personal and collective responsibility for our words, actions and results.
Our guiding principles
We are authentic
We are transparent and open. We live our values by embedding consumer and community engagement into our practice.
We advocate for equity
We know that personal agency and access to the resources and opportunities required to achieve and maintain good health are not available to all. We seek to understand, acknowledge and address these barriers.
We partner
We develop lasting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and collaboration. We enable people to participate safely, wholeheartedly and as equals.
We listen
We hear and value the thoughts of every person with whom we engage, especially those who are least heard or unheard.
We are holistic
We recognise the diverse mix of individual characteristics, behaviours and cultures that make us human, and how physical, social and economic environments affect a person’s health and wellbeing.
We are always learning
We are continuously learning and honing our craft. We learn from our mistakes and bring a growth mindset to our work.
We are accountable
We take personal and collective responsibility for our words, actions and results.
Our priorities
Four priority areas guide the planning and implementation of our annual work program:
Strengthen our foundations
Grow our financial health,build our or ganisational capacity and capability and live our values.
Extend our reach
Build our profile as thought and practice leaders, promote our services, improve accessibility to our programs and demonstrate our impact.
Partner for impact
Build lasting relationships with organisations and groups that share our vision.
Grow our community engagement
Deepen and diversify our relationships with community groups and individuals to sustainably connect with and amplify diverse, unheard and least-heard voices.
Our Services
| Who we work with | Our objective | What we do |
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 Consumers and community members |
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 Organisations in related sectors:
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Staff in related sectors: Our Services
| Who we work with | Our objective | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Consumers and community members |
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| Organisations in related sectors:
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Our Services
| Who we work with | Our objective | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Consumers and community members |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Organisations in related sectors:
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