Grampians Prevention and Recovery Care centre

The Grampians Prevention and Recovery Care centre includes:

• six beds for short stays (up to 28 days) for patients who need a 'step up' from services provided in the community, or a 'step down' period of supported recovery before going home
• six beds for patients who need a longer stay (three to six months) who will receive clinical support and stabilisation and psychosocial rehabilitation before returning home
• communal areas including kitchen, dining and living areas
• break out spaces for indoor activities
• outdoor space for recreational and leisure activities.

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. 

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

• Ballarat Health Services
• Bamford Architects
• AW Nicholson Construction (builder).

Please note: As of 1 February 2021, the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority (VHHSBA) became the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).