- Published:
- Wednesday 14 September 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is giving women in Melbourne’s western suburbs access to the mental health support they need, with the North-West Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care centre (WPARC) now open.
The $8.4 million facility will provide vital mental health services to women who need short-term mental health care and will support 150 women each year.
With around-the clock clinical care, the 12-bed residential facility has a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor space for leisure and recreational activities and is the first purpose-built PARC for women in the western suburbs.
Located near Sunshine Hospital, the Women’s PARC is the first in the state to provide accommodation for women to stay with their children and remain connected with their family.
A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, Prevention and Recovery Care services provide care for people who no longer need hospital treatment for mental illness, while also reducing pressure on hospital beds by providing early intervention care.
Operated by the NorthWestern Mental Health Service, the centre was designed in consultation with people who have lived experience of the mental health system.
The new facility is one of 25 PARCs across Melbourne and regional Victoria and part of the Labor Government’s $325.7 million investment in mental health outlined in the 10-year Mental Health Plan.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 delivered $1.3 billion in further support for the state’s mental health system, building on the Government’s record $3.8 billion investment in the Victorian Budget 2021/22.
Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams
“This new facility is helping address increasing demand for mental health services in our state in an environment where women feel comfortable seeking support and also accommodates young children.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“This centre will provide vital care for people who no longer need hospital treatment – reducing pressure on busy emergency departments by providing early intervention treatment and care.”
Quote attributable to Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“This new WPARC provides recovery-focused treatment for women in Melbourne’s west who are in the early stages of recovery from an acute mental illness.”