The Grampians Prevention and Recovery Care centre aimed to provide the following benefits:
Recovery-oriented treatment and support
The centre provides early intervention support and clinical treatment for people who are unwell, or who are in the early stages of recovery from an acute illness and need a short period of extra support.
Reducing hospital admissions and length of stay
Prevention and recovery care centres operate via a 'step-up/step-down' model. They provide early intervention for people who are unwell (step-up), and a community-based treatment option for people in the early stages of recovery (step-down). The new Grampians Prevention and Recovery Care centre provides additional care and support following hospital admission and before returning home.
Residential support options delivered locally
The centre aims to offer a safe and supportive residential setting for people suffering mental illness who may find it difficult to cope at home. The service aims to help people suffering mental illness who could benefit from treatment and support in a short to medium-term residential stay. The centre helps fill the service gap between community and hospital-based care.
Maintaining connections to community
The centre is located in central Ballarat, close to public transport and shops. This allows patients to receive treatment while still having access to their existing support networks and community. This also helps to remove some of the stigma around mental illness.
Local character and sustainable design
The home-like facility was designed to blend in with the neighbourhood's character. Wide eaves and sheltered outdoor activity spaces make the building more sustainable and resilient to changing climates.
The Archer and Fraser houses on Pleasant Street South were also repaired and refurbished as part of the project. Designed by prominent Ballarat architect Les Coburn, these houses have local significance and heritage value.