Mind Australia and Goulburn Valley Health are pleased to announce the opening of the new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service in Shepparton.
Shepparton YPARC is a 10-bed service supporting young people aged 16-25 at different stages of their mental health journey. It offers a welcoming, home-like environment for young people transitioning back into the community following a hospital admission, as well as those seeking additional support to maintain their mental health and wellbeing.
The service provides tailored support based on each young person’s strengths, needs and goals. Through a personalised recovery plan, young people have the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their wellbeing and develop practical skills for everyday life.
Shepparton YPARC has 10 bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, alongside shared kitchen, dining and living areas. Breakout spaces and outdoor gardens provide opportunities for relaxation, recreation and connection, while dedicated spaces support group activities and individualised care. Specialist mental health staff are also available 24 hours a day.
GV Health Chief Executive Matt Sharp said the service would fill an important gap in the region’s mental health system, providing young people with specialised support closer to home.
“The opening of Shepparton YPARC is a significant milestone for mental health care in our region and will make a real difference for young people and their families,” he said.
“Being able to access this type of specialised service locally means young people can remain connected to their families, friends, education and community while working towards their recovery goals.”
Young people staying at Shepparton YPARC will also have access to peer support from Mind’s lived and living experience workforce. Peer practitioners draw on their own experience of mental health challenges and recovery to connect with young people, offer support and walk alongside them as they work towards their recovery goals.
Mind CEO Denise Cumming said Shepparton YPARC would help ease pressure on hospitals while providing a community-based alternative for young people experiencing distress.
“YPARC services like this play a vital role in our mental health system by offering the right support at the right time. They give young people a place to navigate periods of distress, strengthen their wellbeing and build pathways towards recovery,” Ms Cumming said.
“Mind is Australia’s largest provider of sub-acute mental health services for young people, delivering YPARC and Youth Step Up Step Down (YSUSD) services in partnership with local hospital and health services throughout Queensland Victoria.
“We have seen the life-changing difference that clinical care and psychosocial support can make when they work together to support young people. In partnership with Goulburn Valley Health, we look forward to providing holistic wrap around mental health and wellbeing support that meets the needs of young people and the Greater Shepparton region.”
Mind has been supporting young people for more than 25 years. We have an established range of youth services in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, as well as services in New South Wales delivered by One Door Mental Health.
To learn more about Mind support services near you contact Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 or visit our Service Finder.