The Allan Labor Government is boosting mental health support for young people across Shepparton with construction now underway on a new, multi-million-dollar Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre.
A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, YPARC centres provide 24/7 community-based care for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges.
Serving as a community-based treatment option for young people in the early stages of recovery - it will also provide early intervention care for those who are unwell as an alternative to hospital admission.
The Shepparton YPARC centre will operate as a referral-based service and will allow young people to continue attending work or school while receiving the appropriate treatment, care and support they need in a safe, home-like environment.
Featuring 10 bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms, a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor garden areas, it will also provide plenty of room for leisure, recreational activities and visits from loved ones, as well as space for group activities and tailored one-to-one support.
The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Goulburn Valley Health and builder, Nicholson Construction.
The Shepparton YPARC centre is part of a $141 million Allan Labor Government investment that will double the capacity of the state's YPARC network.
This investment also is delivering new YPARC centres in Ballarat, Geelong, Heidelberg and Traralgon. Funding will also upgrade existing YPARC centres in Bendigo, Dandenong, and Frankston.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"We're giving young Victorians confidence that when they need mental health support, there are local services that will give them the tailored mental healthcare they need, close to home."
"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 Shepparton."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"Young people in regional Victoria often need to travel long distances to access appropriate support - building five more YPARCs means greater access to care in a service co-designed with those who have lived experience."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"We know how much better health outcomes are when young people get treatment close to their families, support networks and local community - that's why we're delivering a new youth mental health facility right here in Shepparton."
