Former prime minister Julia Gillard has joined the board of mental health organisation beyondblue.

Ms Gillard, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2013, will attend her first beyondblue board meeting in February.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard has joined the board of beyondblue. Credit:Louie Douvis

The chairman of beyondblue, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, said: "Julia Gillard will not only bring a great deal of experience to our board, but importantly the passion for the sector that drove her in government to establish the National Disability Scheme, which, if professionally and compassionately introduced, could be the most important social reform of the century.

"For many of those who suffer disability, and their carers, depression can be an ever present condition.