- New Step Up/Step Down service a vital addition to mental health supports in the Pilbara
- Community-based, flexible model to provide Pilbara residents with access to the care they need, where they need it
- Purpose-built residential facility located close to the town centre and local amenities
The Karratha Step Up/Step Down (SUSD) service is complete, delivering a purpose-built residential mental health care facility for the community.
The new six-bed residential facility will soon provide vital help for people in the Pilbara experiencing challenges in their mental health.
Centrally located on Gregory Way in Bulgarra, the purpose-built service will offer short-term residential support for people aged 18 and over. Special consideration may be given for people aged 16 and 17 on a case-by-case basis.
The SUSD model assists people in their recovery, helping them avoid hospitalisation or transition safely back into the community following a hospital stay.
Each resident will have access to an individual unit for stays up to 28 days, along with shared indoor and outdoor communal spaces for social and therapeutic activities.
Residents will be free to come and go, attend work or study, and engage in recreational activities - making SUSD a flexible option for people seeking support.
The Karratha service will be operated by Richmind WA in partnership with Hope Community Services, with clinical support provided by the WA Country Health Service.
Psychosocial benefits include education, coping strategies and daily living skills, while clinical services such as counselling, nursing and medical will be provided by WA Country Health Service.
The delivery of the new service forms part of the Cook Government's $4.9 billion health infrastructure program.
As stated by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey:
"This project is an important part of our government's commitment to boosting regional mental health care across Western Australia.
"Our government's record $4.9 billion spend in health infrastructure includes major hospital redevelopments and the delivery of new hospitals.
"We are also ensuring smaller, but critically important, facilities like this Step Up/Step Down facility are delivered, ensuring regional communities can access mental health care close to home."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The Karratha Step Up/Step Down service is a valuable addition to local mental health care.
"The new service will provide a safe and supportive environment for people to focus on their recovery, close to home and connected to their community and support networks.
"Step Up/Step Down will help people rebuild their lives, participate in their communities, and access the mental health care they need when they need it."
As stated by Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Cook Government is delivering world class health infrastructure for Pilbara residents.
"We know that staying close to home and family support means better outcomes for those facing mental health challenges.
"This purpose-built new service will ensure everyone can access the help they need, regardless of where they live."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"It's fantastic to see the Karratha Step Up/Step Down service complete - a much-needed facility that our community has been asking for.
"For a long time, local families and health workers have said we need more mental health support closer to home, and I'm really pleased to have been able to advocate for this service.
"This facility will provide short-term residential mental health care right here in Karratha, helping people get the support they need without having to travel to Perth."
