Designs released for Ballarat’s new youth mental health facility

We’ve released artist impressions for the new Ballarat Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre.

The new multimillion-dollar, 10-bed facility will be located at 31-39 Durham Street in Ballarat.

What is a YPARC?

YPARCs provide flexible, around-the clock clinical care for young people aged 16-25. They reduce pressure on hospital beds by providing early intervention care and recovery-focused treatment.

They are a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. 

A welcoming and home-like environment 

The new Ballarat facility has been designed to create a welcoming and home-like environment.
Features include: 

• private bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms
• communal kitchens, dining and living areas
• breakout spaces
• an outdoor garden to encourage rest and recovery as well as support family visits.

The design has drawn on the insights and experiences of young people, carers and clinicians with lived experience of mental health. It is centrally located near the Ballarat Base Hospital and other mental health facilities. The central location means patients and their families will have access to a range of other medical and support services.