The Allan Labor Government is giving young Victorians access to the mental health support they need and deserve, with an upgraded Dandenong Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre one step closer.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today announced the first stage of the multi-million-dollar project is now complete, delivering five refurbished bedrooms and bigger and better administration areas to the existing service – ensuring a safer and more comfortable facility for both consumers and staff.
A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, YPARC services provide 24/7 clinical care for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges – reducing pressure on hospitals by offering early intervention care as an alternative to acute hospital admission.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Monash Health and builder, Bowden Corporation, construction on the second stage of the upgrade is now underway with the project on track to be completed later this year.
The second stage of the Dandenong centre upgrade will refurbish an additional three bedrooms and deliver important improvements to the centre’s living, dining and interview facilities.
The Dandenong YPARC centre will remain operational while the upgrade takes place, with works planned and managed to minimise impact to consumers, staff and families.
The upgrade is part of a $141 million investment by the Labor Government that will more than double the capacity of Victoria’s current YPARC network with five new, 10-bed YPARC 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 two other existing centres in Bendigo and Frankston are also being refurbished.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
“We’re giving young Victorians confidence that when they need mental health support, there are local services that will give them the tailored mental healthcare they need, close to home like this YPARC facility in Dandenong.”
“Delivering the right support and care can be lifechanging for young people in our community – while we know there is more to do, initiatives like our YPARC services are taking us in the right direction.”
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
“Across the state we are improving access to mental health support through world-class health infrastructure, because we know our young Victorians can achieve better outcomes when they get treatment and care close to home.”
As stated by Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“I’m delighted to see this important upgrade at the YPARC in Dandenong one step closer – this service is already helping young people across Dandenong and I’m pleased we can support this work by providing more fit-for-purpose facilities.”
