Mind Australia and The Haven Foundation will house up to 80 people living with significant mental health and wellbeing concerns in Drouin, Ballarat West, North Bendigo, Seymour and Pakenham.
The five new developments – part of the Victorian government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build - currently under construction in regional Victoria will offer high quality, long-term Housing with support so people living with mental ill-health can live life to the fullest.
These residences will each provide up to 16 one-bedroom self-contained homes with main bedroom, built-in wardrobe, bathroom, kitchen and eating area, European laundry, lounge room and outdoor courtyard or balcony.
The developments will also feature shared in-door and out-door community living and lounge areas, kitchen, meeting spaces and overnight facilities on-site for the around-the-clock specialist mental health support staff.
This integrated social housing and support service is a partnership between Mind Australia and community housing provider The Haven Foundation – a subsidiary of Mind.
Mind CEO Gill Callister said Mind and The Haven Foundation were excited to bring this innovative model of long-term social housing with 24/7 funded support for NDIS participants to more regions in Victoria.
“The Haven Foundation residences have been shown to reduce hospitalisations and homelessness for people with mental health concerns, providing stability and security and recovery focussed support,” Ms Callister said.
“These residences enable people with significant long-term mental health issues to lead successful and fulfilling lives in the community.
“Mind Australia and The Haven Foundation commend the Victorian Government and Homes Victoria for investing in this model of support and recovery for people with mental ill-health.”
Residents receive Supported Independent Living services for assistance with activities of daily living which are funded by their NDIS packages. Mind Australia’s qualified and experienced staff provide 24/7 support for residents.
Staff include peer practitioners who use their own lived experience of mental ill-health to connect with clients and inspire their recovery journey.
The Haven Foundation and Mind also promote and support the involvement of family, friends and other carers in the lives of residents, as appropriate to each person's needs.
Mind Executive Director of Housing Strategy Mark Heeney said the design of Haven residences with individual units and central community areas gives residents the ideal combination of independence and social inclusion to strengthen their recovery.
“With their 24/7 support from Mind Australia, residents learn life skills, like confidence and connection with others, to help build a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Haven residences in Drouin, Ballarat West, North Bendigo, Seymour and Pakenham are expected to open in 2023. If you would like more information about Mind services, please contact us by submitting a form via Mind Connect or phone: 1300 286 463.
If this information raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.