The location of Shepparton’s new youth mental health facility has been confirmed, with the 10-bed facility to be situated at the corner of Numurkah and Balaclava roads.
More than $140 million in funding for five regional youth prevention and recovery care centres was announced late last year, with sites also in Traralgon, Heidelberg, South Geelong and Newington.
State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the five centres would support more than 500 young Victorians each year.
Mr Gepp did not give a time frame on when the Shepparton facility was expected to open.
A recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the new YPARC centres will provide flexible, around-the-clock clinical care for young people aged 16-25 experiencing mental ill health.
The new centres will each have 10 private bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms, communal kitchens, dining and living areas, breakout spaces and outdoor gardens for rest and recovery, as well as family visits.
Acting Mental Health Minister Colin Brooks said the centres would play an important role in providing early intervention care and recovery-focused treatment would reduce pressure on Victoria’s hospitals.
“We know how much better health outcomes are when people get treatment close to their families, support networks and local community, which is why we’re delivering youth mental health facilities right across Victoria,” he said.