February 22nd, 2025Work starts on Ballarat youth mental health service
The Victorian state government has announced it’s boosting mental health support for young people across Ballarat and surrounding areas, with construction now underway on a new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt joined Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and Ripon Martha Haylett last week to turn the first sod for the new multi-million-dollar, 10-bed centre being built at 31-39 Durham Street.
A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, YPARC services provide 24/7 clinical care in a home-like setting for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges – reducing pressure on hospitals by offering an alternative to acute hospital admission.
Its central location and proximity to health services including the Ballarat Base Hospital and other mental health service means consumers and their families will have easy access to other medical and support services.
To be built by McCorkell Constructions, designs released last year showcased the future centre’s welcoming, home-like environment, including private bedrooms to support young people throughout their recovery journey.
Operated by Grampians Health, the new Ballarat centre is part of a $141 million investment by the state government that will more than double the capacity of Victoria’s current YPARC network with five new, 10-bed centres to be built across the state and upgrades to three existing YPARC centres.
The new centres will be located in Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Heidelberg and Traralgon, with three existing centres in Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston also being refurbished and modernised.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the new centres are aimed at ensuring more young Victorians each year can access the tailored support they need.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt: “We’re making sure young Ballarat locals get the mental health support they need, closer to home – delivering a local service that offers tailored care that sets them up for a positive and healthy future.”
This story based on a state government media release. Image: Supplied
