Designs for Geelong youth mental health inpatient centre revealed

The state government has released designs for Geelong’s long-awaited inpatient youth mental health service, which has experienced significant delays. Find out when it is set to open.

Geelong YPARC designs. Picture: Supplied

Construction is underway on Geelong’s long-awaited first dedicated inpatient youth mental health service.

The state government has revealed designs for the new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre, located on Little Fyans St in South Geelong, which is set to deliver care to 200 young people every year.

The project has suffered delays — in 2021, when it was announced, the facility was expected to be completed by late 2023.

Now expected to be completed in 2025, the centre will operate as a referral-based service and ensure young people can continue to attend work or school while receiving treatment.

A key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the residential service will deliver around the clock care and support to young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental health challenges or psychological distress.

Geelong YPARC designs. Picture: Supplied

The Geelong YPARC centre will have 10 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and will feature a communal kitchen, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor garden areas.

Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the design for the centre’s facade and internal spaces had been carefully considered to create a safe and serene environment to support young people and their recovery.

Geelong YPARC centre design. Picture: Supplied

Advocates have been raising the need for dedicated local youth mental health beds for years.

Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the new Geelong YPARC facility had been designed alongside young people with lived experience of mental health challenges.

“Once complete, the centre will be a safe space for young people to embark on their recovery journey,” Ms Thomas said.

Ms Stitt said the Geelong centre was part of a $141m investment that would double the capacity of the state’s YPARC service network, delivering new YPARCs in Ballarat, Heidelberg, Shepparton and Traralgon and seeing upgrades to existing centres in Bendigo, Dandenong, and Frankston.

Originally published as Designs for Geelong youth mental health inpatient centre revealed