RhED – Creating pathways to support
Resourcing Health & Education (RhED), delivered by BHN, is a specialist service supporting people who work or have worked in Victoria’s sex industry.
RhED provides health education, advocacy and practical support, while also working to reduce stigma and discrimination across the broader community.
A cornerstone of this work is the Pathways Program, which offers personalised case management for current and former sex workers. The program empowers clients to pursue their social, economic and mental health goals, while connecting them with vital community services and supports.
Through Pathways, clients can access flexible case management tailored to their unique circumstances and aspirations, including justice support if required. This highly individualised approach ensures clients receive the advocacy and practical assistance they need to create meaningful change in their lives.
In May 2025, the Department of Fairness, Families and Housing (DFFH) confirmed ongoing funding for the Pathways Program from July 2025. This landmark decision provides long-term certainty, recognising the program’s effectiveness and the dedication of the RhED team, and reinforces our commitment to advocating for a strong and sustainable community health sector.
In announcing the commitment, Deputy Secretary Disability, Fairness and Emergency Management, Argiri Alisandratos, commended the program’s impact:
The Department recognises the critical support that the Pathways Program provides and the very positive outcomes demonstrated by the program in terms of improved social and economic participation and mental health of clients.
The strength of Pathways is best reflected in client experiences – stories of resilience, growth and achievement that showcase the life-changing power of the program.
Kira’s Story
When Kira* first connected with the RhED Pathways program, she was facing immense challenges, struggling with her mental health alongside alcohol and drug use. Despite support from Pathways team member Alex, Kira lost contact with the program and became difficult to reach.
One evening, while working on late-night outreach, Alex unexpectedly came across Kira. She was in an extremely vulnerable state, experiencing intense mental distress and distrust. Recognising the urgency, Alex stayed with her through the night, offering support and advocacy. She accompanied Kira to hospital, and when admission was not possible, worked tirelessly to secure crisis accommodation instead.
Over the following weeks, Alex maintained close support, helping Kira stabilise and reconnect with essential services. Together, they arranged access to mental health care, housing assistance, transport services and financial support for family violence recovery. Alex also coordinated psychosocial support to address Kira’s broader needs, ensuring she had a stronger foundation for change.
Thanks to this dedicated, hands-on care, Kira’s life has transformed. She is now substance-free by choice, living in safe and permanent housing, and continues to receive mental health care alongside a free private rehabilitation program.
Kira’s journey highlights the vital role of RhED Pathways – providing compassionate, on-the-ground outreach and building trust with those who have often been let down by systems. By walking alongside clients when they feel most alone, the program helps people take steps toward safety, stability, and hope.
*Client’s name has been changed.
