- Minister for Mental Health
More help will be available to young Victorians requiring mental health treatment, thanks to a new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care service (YPARC) funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Marking the start of National Mental Health Week today, Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley unveiled plans for a $11.9 million 20-bed facility in Parkville, which will offer short term, flexible and responsive mental health services for Victorians aged 16-25 in a home like environment.
The YPARC facility will be built on Poplar Road next door to Orygen Youth Health and Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health. It is also near Melbourne Health services, providing easy access to other health supports. The YPARC Parkville facility is due to open in 2021.
Prevention and Recovery Care services (PARCS) provide vital care for people who no longer need hospital treatment for mental illness but still need support in their recovery, while also providing early intervention care.
The Labor Government will today also launch a new video series - 'It's Time to Talk about Mental Health' - which will feature at least 20 every-day Victorians over the next nine months sharing their deeply personal experiences of mental health.
While the people profiled have all had very different challenges, they share the same message - mental health is something that affects us all and it's time to talk openly about it.
The recent Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System public hearings and submissions tell us that we still have a long way to go in reducing the stigma around mental health and this is a small step in starting that conversation.
The Labor Government made record investments in mental health with $172.8 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to ensure Victorians get better treatment and care, closer to home. The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report next month and the Labor Government will implement all recommendations.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
"This new facility is just what young people living with mental health illness and their families need as part of their recovery."
"We know from submissions to the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System that our system isn't coping. Which is why innovative facilities like these are so important, and why we'll implement every recommendation made by the Royal Commission."
"While the Royal Commission's vital work continues, we hope our new video series will help all Victorians reflect on how we all deal with mental health challenges and make these conversations a part of our everyday life."
