The McGowan Government is on track to open a new South-West residential community mental health service early next year.
Richmond Wellbeing have been appointed as the service provider, with construction of the 10-bed service located on Vittoria Street in Glen Iris, Bunbury well underway.
Richmond Wellbeing will be working in partnership with the WA Country Health Service in the delivery of support services.
This service will give people in the South-West a new option for their mental health recovery in a community-based setting, close to their personal support network of family and friends.
Community mental health step up/step down services form a part of the McGowan Government’s Plan for Mental Health and Mental Health Recovery Services. They provide vital short-term, residential support and individualised care for people following discharge from hospital, or those who are in the community experiencing a change in their mental health to avoid a possible hospitalisation.
The South-West community mental health step up/step down service is expected to be operational by early 2020, with the State Government providing $4.56 million in capital funding.
The State Government is investing over $28 million in capital funding to progress the establishment of regional community mental health step up/step down services in Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Karratha.
One in five Australians will be affected by a mental health issue each year and the vast majority of those people receive their care while living and working in their community, among their family and friends.
For support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling or Lifeline in a crisis situation on 13 11 14.
Visit for more information on community mental health step up/step down services.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“We know people recover from mental health issues when they can receive care, support and treatment within their own community so we are committed to progressing regional services.
“Community mental health step up/step down services provide an important service. They help people avoid the need for hospitalisation, or help people transition from hospital back into the community.”
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
“The people of Bunbury and the South-West will benefit from this mental health service so I am delighted to see this project coming to fruition and look forward to it opening early next year.
“This service will allow more people in the South-West region who need mental health care to access it nearer where they live and avoid travelling to Perth.”
