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Construction is underway for a new sub-acute mental health service for young people in Heidelberg, Victoria to be delivered by Mind and Austin Health.

New Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) services were a priority recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. They are an alternative to hospital admission that provides early intervention care and a range of recovery focused supports for young people aged 16-25.

Specialist mental health staff are available 24 hours a day at YPARC services. They support young people to stabilise their mental health and build the skills to live safely and securely in the community.

Heidelberg YPARC will feature 10 bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms, a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor garden areas. It will also include space for leisure and recreational activities and visits from loved ones, as well as space for group activities and tailored one-to-one support.

Mind Executive Director Victoria Operations Belinda McCullough said Youth and Adult Prevention and Recovery Care services provide much-needed alternatives to hospitalisation for people experiencing mental health challenges.

“These services provide a more tailored support for people to achieve sustained long term mental health recovery,” Ms McCullough said.

“We look forward to further building our strong partnership with Austin Health, and providing holistic wrap around supports so that young people can access the help they need to recover and live fulfilling and independent lives in the community.”  

In announcing that construction had begun, Victoria’s Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said YPARCs are an invaluable part of the state’s mental health system.

“The Royal Commission highlighted the need for more youth mental health services and we are delivering on that by expanding the YPARC service network right across the state – including in Heidelberg,” Minister Stitt said.

“This YPARC centre in Heidelberg will give more young people access to treatment and care close to their family and loved ones.”

Mind currently manages 15 PARC and Step Up Step Down services throughout Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

These services provide a more tailored support for people to achieve sustained long term mental health recovery.
- Belinda McCullough, Executive Director Victorian Operations, Mind Australia

Outcome measures data collected from 1098 residents across the 2022-2023 Financial Year demonstrated that service users experienced both a significant reduction in psychological distress, as well as a significant improvement in overall recovery between service entry and exit.

Mind PARC and SUSD residents also reported:

  • a 49 per cent reduction in the number of residents at risk of ‘serious mental health challenges’ between entry and exit 
  • they were very satisfied with the support the received 
  • they felt safe, respected, listened to by staff and had their feedback welcomed.

Services also rated highly for having their privacy protected and for embracing diversity and inclusion. Carers of service users also reported very high satisfaction ratings.

For more information about Youth or Adult Prevention and Recovery Care services, visit the Mind Service finder or phone 1300 286 463.

If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
If you would like more information, please contact us.

1300 286 463 
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