The Allan Labor Government is giving young Ballarat locals access to the mental health support they need and deserve, with the new Ballarat Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) Centre one step closer.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today unveiled designs for the new multi-million-dollar, 10-bed youth mental health project to be located in the heart of Ballarat – with construction set to commence later this year.

The facility designs reveal a welcoming, home-like environment with private bedrooms to support young people in receiving the care they need throughout their recovery journey.

The designs also feature communal kitchens, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and an outdoor garden to foster communal living, encourage family visits and has been thoughtfully shaped by the insights and experiences of young people, carers, and clinicians with lived experience in mental health.

Its central location and proximity to nearby health services, including the Ballarat Base Hospital and other mental health facilities, ensures consumers and their families across the region can access other medical and support services.

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.

Operated by Grampians Health, the new Ballarat centre 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 three existing centres in Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston also being refurbished and modernised.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the new centres will ensure more than 900 extra young Victorians each year can access the tailored support they need.

Quote attributable to 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 Ballarat.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“Across Victoria we are improving access to mental health support through modern and safe health infrastructure, because we know young Victorians can achieve better outcomes when they get treatment and care close to home.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The mental health of our young Ballarat locals matters – and the new YPARC will make a real and lasting difference to young lives in Ballarat and across the region.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“We’re excited to unveil a first look at this new multi-million-dollar facility, it won’t be long before local young people living with mental ill-health can access the care and treatment they need and deserve.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“This centre will help support young people from across our region through their recovery journey, giving them the best possible care in modern facilities”