Geelong mental health service opens in Moolap

Victoria's first peer-led residential mental health service has opened in Moolap offering a home-like alternative to hospital care for adults experiencing acute mental distress. The service is backed by a $14.8 million Victorian government investment and provides free short-term residential care in a home-like environment.

Residents have their own rooms and are supported by a peer-led workforce around the clock with stays of up to three weeks available. People can self-refer or be referred by health professionals and support is tailored to each individual including everyday activities such as cooking meals joining group discussions or walking with peer workers with a support plan developed soon after referral.

The service is operated by Mind Australia in partnership with Barwon Health and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. The first four of the facility's nine rooms are now open with the remaining rooms expected to become operational later this year according to the report from timesnewsgroup.com.au.

Mental health minister Ingrid Stitt officially opened the Peer Healing Space describing the facility as a new model of care that places people with lived and living experience at the centre of mental health support. The service expands the options available to people seeking support while helping reduce demand on hospitals.

Mind Australia executive director Katie Larsen said the service had been shaped by the community it was designed to serve. The Peer Healing Space is designed by community for community and offers a new and different path for healing for Victorians experiencing mental health distress according to the same report.

Sources: timesnewsgroup.com.au.

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