A new youth mental health service supporting young people in Traralgon is now officially open.
The Traralgon Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service provides care for young people aged 16 - 25 who are experiencing psychological distress. Young people are supported to stabilise their mental health and wellbeing, and build the skills to be able to live safely and securely in the community.
YPARC services were a priority recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. They are an alternative to hospital admission that provides early intervention care and a range of recovery focused supports.
Traralgon YPARC features 10 bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms. There is also communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor garden areas. These provide space for leisure and recreational activities, recovery focused group activities and tailored one-to-one support. The YPARCs also encourage the involvement of family and carers, as appropriate.
Specialist mental health staff are available 24 hours a day at YPARC services. They support young people to stabilise their mental health and build the skills to live safely and securely in the community.
Mind CEO Gill Callister said the YPARC model of early intervention care can help ensure moments of crisis don’t become life-long conditions.
“YPARCs reduce pressure on hospitals by shortening hospital stays or avoiding them altogether – by providing mental health care in the community to young people who need more support,” Ms Callister said.
“The YPARC model of early intervention care can make all the difference in ensuring that moments of crisis don’t become permanent conditions through lack of support.
“We look forward to developing our partnership with Latrobe Regional Health, and providing holistic wrap around mental health and wellbeing support for young people in Traralgon.”
Latrobe Regional Health Executive Director of Mental Health Mike Gatsi said the service would enhance the continuation of care for young people experiencing acute mental health distress.
“The YPARC service provides a clinically supported, recovery-oriented environment for young people who require short-term intensive mental health care, without the need for inpatient hospital admission,” Mr Gatsi said.
“This model enables earlier intervention, improved care coordination and better clinical outcomes by supporting young people to stabilise and transition safely back into the community.”
Mind has been working with young people for more than 25 years. We have an established range of youth services in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, including youth residential services, youth Step Up Step Down (SUSD) or PARC services, youth residential rehabilitation, youth outreach services and headspace centres.
Outcome measures data from residents of other Mind PARC and SUSD residents in the 2022-2023 Financial Year demonstrates that service users experienced both a significant reduction in psychological distress, as well as significant improvement in overall recovery between service entry and exit.
For more information about Mind’s range of youth services, visit the Mind Service finder or phone 1300 286 463.