The Allan Labor Government is continuing to transform how mental health care is delivered in Victoria.
Minister Stitt officially opened the state's first peer-led residential mental health service in Moolap.
Backed by a $14.8 million investment from the Labor Government, the Peer Healing Space is an alternative to hospital-based care for adults experiencing acute mental distress or crisis.
The free service offers support in a home-like environment, co-designed and led by people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges.
A peer-led workforce will provide tailored, person-centered care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
People can be referred to the service by professionals or can self-refer.
A Peer Team Leader will make contact within 24 hours to understand their needs and develop a support plan.
Each person will have their own room and the freedom to shape their day.
This may include cooking meals, joining group conversations, or going for a walk with lived experience peer workers.
People can stay up to three weeks.
As an alternative to acute inpatient care, the service will help reduce pressure on hospitals.
It will ensure people receive the care they need with compassion, connection and choice.
The service is run by Mind Australia with support from Barwon Health and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.
The first four rooms are now open and all nine will open later this year.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"The Peer Healing Space puts people with lived and living experience at the heart of mental health care."
"This service provides a new option for mental health care that gives people choice, while easing pressure on hospitals."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"Led by people with lived and living experience, this new service will provide invaluable support and guidance, making a meaningful difference for those seeking care."
As stated by Member for Geelong Chris Couzens
"This lived experience lead service will provide personalised care in a comforting, home-like environment for people across our region."
As stated by Mind Australia Executive Director Katie Larsen
"The Peer Healing Space is designed by community, for community and offers a new and different path for healing for Victorians experiencing mental health distress."
"It will also demonstrate outcomes and experiences that can support the continued transformation of Victoria's mental health system, led by Lived Experience."
