Queens Park youth mental health, alcohol and other drug and homelessness service opens

Western Australian young people now have access to dedicated mental health, alcohol and other drug and homelessness services at the newly opened Momentum QP in Queens Park. 

The eight-bed facility provides transitional, supported accommodation for 16 to 24 year olds who show signs and symptoms of mental ill-health, with or without a co-occurring alcohol or other drug issue, and who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Peer workers form a key element of the service, harnessing their lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery to support Momentum QP’s young people while fostering hope.

Momentum QP is funded by the Mental Health Commission and led by Richmond Wellbeing in partnership with Cyrenian House and Anglicare WA, with East Metropolitan Health Service providing clinical in-reach.

Extensive community consultation shaped the creation of Momentum QP, resulting in an age and culturally appropriate service.

As stated by Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“Investing in mental health services is a priority for the McGowan Government, evidenced by our record $1.114 billion investment in mental health, alcohol and other drug services in 2021-22.

“We continue to address gaps in services through both immediate and longer-term plans to develop a modern, efficient mental healthcare system into the future. 

“It is so important that we increase community care for young Western Australians and Momentum QP will offer a safe space and access to vital support from clinicians and peer support workers.”

As stated by Homelessness Minister John Carey:

“Homelessness is not just about the absence of accommodation – it involves a number of other issues such as mental ill-health, and drug and alcohol addiction.

“The way we respond to homelessness in Western Australia is by ensuring we address underlying issues in conjunction with safe and secure accommodation, and Momentum QP is a fantastic example of our Homelessness Strategy in action.

“Our Government is investing more than $150 million this financial year on homeless services and we are delivering solutions which will help to permanently address homelessness, such as our two new Common Ground facilities.”