Construction underway on a new youth mental health centre in Heidelberg

Construction has started on a new Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre in Heidelberg.

YPARC centres provide around-the-clock care and support to young people aged between 16 and 25 experiencing mental health challenges and/or psychological distress.

This includes mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, which are the leading cause of disability in young people.

YPARC centres are voluntary, referral-based services.

The new multi-million-dollar Heidelberg YPARC centre includes:

• 10 bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms
• a communal kitchen
• kitchen, dining and living areas
• breakout spaces
• outdoor garden areas
• a welcoming, safe and therapeutic environment which promotes rest and recovery.

Designs revealed today show the centre's façade and internal spaces. They have been carefully considered to create a safe and serene environment to support young people on their recovery journey.

The spaces were mindfully constructed as part of a co-design process. Clinicians, carers and young people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges shared their insights and experiences to help influence the design of the centre.

Construction is being overseen by SJ Higgins. Austin Health will manage the Heidelberg YPARC centre.