Work to deliver a new Intensive Residential Parenting Unit run by the Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS) at St Johns Park in New Town has reached a major milestone.
Construction is now underway, with restoration works on the heritage-listed Parsonage building.
Tasmanian contractor Fairbrother is delivering the works, which include the demolition of all non-original parts of the Parsonage and a sensitive restoration to preserve the building's heritage and history for future generations.
Major construction works, including a new extension at the rear of the building that will accommodate new residential spaces and support services, will follow and are expected to take about nine months to complete.
The CHaPS-run six-bed facility will enhance access to comprehensive specialist parenting support, ensuring Tasmanian families receive the care they need during their child's earliest and most formative months.
This includes support for challenges related to sleep, settling, feeding, and parent-infant relationships, as well as parental distress, fatigue and anxiety.
The purpose-built Unit has been designed to emulate a home-like environment. Each room will have an attached nursery, and there will be shared spaces to accommodate visiting family members to help maintain family connection, as well as a communal dining area.
The Unit is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Tasmanian Government is ensuring parents, infants and families have the support they need.
"The new Unit will allow mums and bubs to stay together while they receive intensive and tailored support in a specialised residential setting for sleeping, feeding, behaviour, and developing perinatal mental health concerns," Minister Archer said.
"This is an important part of our plan to enhance early parenting support services right across the State, and follows the opening of the four-bed Tresillian Mother and Baby Unit in Launceston last month, which is supported by $9 million in Tasmanian Government funding.
"The Unit is the first of several new health and mental health facilities to be established at St Johns Park, which will be the site of significant development over the next 20 years as part of our St Johns Park Health and Wellbeing Precinct Masterplan.
"We are investing in the services Tasmanian families need, when and where they need them."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White:"Those first few months with a new baby can be wonderful, but they can also feel incredibly overwhelming. This investment will ensure Tasmanian families have a safe, supportive space to find help, so they don't have to face those early days alone.
"This new Unit will give parents the time, space and calm environment they need to focus on their wellbeing. Families will have access to specialist support delivered in a home-like setting. It's a place designed to help parents feel safe, supported as they care for their baby.
"The Albanese Government committed funding to the new Unit because early, compassionate mental health care changes lives. When parents get the support they need, their wellbeing improves, their babies thrive and families have a stronger start together."
