The Allan Labor Government is boosting mental health support for youth across the Latrobe Valley with construction now underway on a new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre in Traralgon.
A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the referral-based service will deliver around the clock care and support to young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges or psychological distress, once it opens in 2025.
The Traralgon facility will join an expanding network of YPARC services across the state – operating as a referral-based service, it 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.
The centre’s design draws on the insights and experiences of clinicians, carers and young people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges – carefully considered reflect a safe, calming, and home-like environment for people on their recovery journey.
Complete with 10 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, it will also include a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, and outdoor areas, providing 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.
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 acute hospital admission.
The project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Latrobe Regional Health and builder McCorkell Constructions.
The Traralgon centre is part of a $141 million Labor Government investment to double the capacity of the YPARC service network across Victoria, including new YPARCs in Ballarat, Geelong, Heidelberg and Shepparton and upgrades to existing 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 this new YPARC in Traralgon will deliver this – giving more young people access to treatment and care close to their family and loved ones.”
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 Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“The recovery environment is so critical to a person’s mental health journey – this service will deliver a supportive and home-like space for vulnerable young people across the Latrobe Valley when they need it most.”
