July 10th, 2026More Mental Health Care For Young People In Barwon

Minister Ingrid Stitt today officially opened the new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre in Geelong.

The free service will deliver specialist, around-the-clock care for up to 200 young people aged 16 to 25 annually.

The voluntary, referral-based centre is designed to feel like a home away from home – enabling young people to access the mental health care they need, while maintaining connection to their community.

YPARCs provide early intervention and clinical care in a safe and welcoming environment – stepping in before crisis escalates and reducing the need for hospital admission.

The Geelong YPARC includes:

10 private rooms

shared kitchen and dining facilities

outdoor gardens

dedicated spaces for visits from loved ones.

Young people can continue to attend work or school, while receiving personalised treatment and support.

The service is delivered by a dedicated team of clinicians and peer-support workers who will also guide group and confidence building activities.

Around 75 per cent of mental ill health emerges before the age of 25 – early access to support can make a significant difference to a young person’s recovery and long-term wellbeing.

YPARCs also provide care for young people in the early stages of recovery who need a short period of extra support.