By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
AHEAD of welcoming its first residents in the coming months, Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt stopped by the recently constructed and soon-to-open Traralgon Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre.
The latest Latrobe Valley facility is part of the state government’s $141 million expansion program to deliver new and refurbished mental health centres across regional Victoria.
Located on Hyde Park Road, the modern, purpose-built sanctuary includes 10 private bedrooms with ensuites, a communal living area, and outdoor spaces designed for a home-like environment.
Ms Stitt and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh were shown around the facility by representatives of Latrobe Regional Health and the Victorian Health Building Authority.
The MP applauded what she believes will be “a real game-changer for young people in the Latrobe Valley.”
“It is really a beautiful building and I think it will go a long way to helping young people who are struggling with mental ill health and mental distress,” she told the Express.
“They’ll be able to get the clinical care, therapeutic care that they need without having to travel long distances to find a bed somewhere else away from home.
“This is really going to be a wonderful addition to the mental health supports here in Traralgon.”
The expansion program of YPARCs across the state was a direct response to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system, with an expectation of more services to be readily available for those aged 16 to 25.
Proposals included the need for facilities in each Victorian region and due to it being a voluntary resource, a warm and welcoming space be provided.
New centres will also be opened in Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton and Heidelberg, while upgrades are being completed on Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston YPARCs.
The facilities offer a helpful service and setting for young people to utilise, but also to not become disconnected from their community by remaining in a secluded hospital wing, as articulated by LRH chief executive Don McRae.
“People get to come and go, and we actually encourage people to go out on day trips, go to the shops, go do their grocery shopping and prepare their meals,” he said.
“It’s all about building those life skills and those coping skills for when they return to the community.”
LRH will work closely with mental health service provider Mind Australia once people begin filtering into the facility.
Mind will provide the day-to-day operations with care staff on hand, while LRH offer specialist psychiatry and psychology input and mental health nursing.
Mind chief executive Gill Callister highlighted the YPARC as an early intervention model that can ensure these moments of crisis that young people deal with don’t become life-long sufferings.
“Early intervention care can make all the difference in ensuring that moments of crisis don’t become permanent conditions through lack of support,” she said.
“We look forward to developing our partnerships with (LRH), and providing holistic wrap around mental health and wellbeing support for young people in Traralgon.”
The off-shoot facility, positioned a short distance away from LRH, also acts as a means to take pressure off staff at the Traralgon hospital.
“It really creates a safe space for people who are not acutely unwell but are struggling with their mental health to function in the community,” Mr McRae said.
Additionally, LRH was hands on in the development stages of the local YPARC, helping design the building alongside Lived Experience Workforce and its other mental health partners.
“The end product has been outstanding, it’s state of the art,” Mr McRae said.
There is often a stigma regarding mental health institutions and those who elect to use them.
However, this service appears to break away from those trends and provide something truly special for young locals struggling.
