Women in Melbourne’s western suburbs will have improved access to the mental health, following the opening of the North-West Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care centre (WPARC).
Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams and St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman opened the $8.4 million facility in St Albans on Thursday, September 8.
The WPARC will provide vital mental health services to women who need short-term mental health care. The state government said the centre will support 150 women each year.
With around-the clock clinical care, the 12-bed residential facility has a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor space for leisure and recreational activities and is the first purpose-built PARC for women in the western suburbs.
Located near Sunshine Hospital, the WPARC is the first in the state to provide accommodation for women to stay with their children and remain connected with their family, the government said.
Operated by the NorthWestern Mental Health Service, the centre was designed in consultation with people who have lived experience of the mental health system.
The new facility is one of 25 PARCs across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“This new facility is helping address increasing demand for mental health services in our state in an environment where women feel comfortable seeking support and also accommodates young children,” Ms Williams said.
Ms Suleyman said the WPARC would provide recovery-focused treatment for women in the early stages of recovery from an acute mental illness.
