The Allan Labor Government is boosting mental health support for young people across Melbourne's north east with construction now underway on a new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre in Heidelberg.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines today visited the site to mark the start of works on the centre which once complete will join an expanding network of YPARC services across Victoria.
A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, YPARC services provide 24/7 clinical care for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges.
Serving as a community-based treatment option for those in the early stages of recovery - it will also help to reduce pressure on local hospitals with early intervention care for those who are unwell acting as an alternative to hospital admission.
The 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 Austin Health, and builder SJ Higgins.
The Heidelberg centre is part of a $141 million investment by the Labor Government to double the capacity of the state's YPARC service network - delivering new facilities in Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton and Traralgon and upgrades to existing YPARC centres in Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"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."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're delivering more youth mental health facilities right across Victoria, giving young Victorians the best care - we know that they have better health comes when they are closer to home and their support network."
As stated by Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
"We're proud to be delivering a YPARC centre in Heidelberg so young people here and in surrounding suburbs feel safe, supported and at-home while they are being cared for."
