North West Metropolitan Youth Prevention and Recovery Care centre

The North West Metropolitan Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre will deliver:

• 20 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
• shared spaces including kitchen, dining, lounge, laundry and family/activity areas
• outdoor garden areas for recreational activities and family visits
• clinical consulting areas
• staff and support areas.

The North West Metropolitan Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre aims to deliver the following benefits:

Recovery-focused treatment

Youth Prevention and Recovery Care centres are designed to provide treatment and support in a residential setting with a focus on recovery. The centre helps young people who are unwell, or who are in the early stages of recovery from an acute illness through early intervention support and clinical treatment.

Increased access to services

The centre increases the number of residential beds for young people in Melbourne’s inner north and west. The new centre cares for up to 200 young people aged 16 to 25 each year.

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 North West Metropolitan Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre provides additional care and support following hospital admission and before returning home.

Residential support options delivered locally

The centre offers a safe and supportive environment for young people who may find it difficult to cope at home. The service will help young 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.

Therapeutic design

Good design can play an important role in health care. This facility was designed to create a welcoming and therapeutic environment while keeping young people safe. Modern amenities including ensuites, kitchen and lounge areas aim to help residents feel at home while receiving professional care.

Multiple services in the one precinct

The YPARC centre will be located in the Parkville precinct alongside the Orygen Youth Mental Health facility, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, and near the Royal Melbourne Hospital. This ensures young people can access a range of mental health treatment and support services.

This project was delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with:

• Bamford Architects
• Building Engineering
• Orygen.