New mental health service in the South West

Friday, 6 March 2020 12:05

By Hannah Salt

People in the South-West will now have access to a new mental health service with the opening of the community step up/step down service.

The 10-bed service in Bunbury will provide short-term, 24/7 residential support and individualised care for people following discharge from hospital, or help people avoid unnecessary hospitalisation in the future.

People will be able to start accessing the service later this month.

Community mental health step up/step down services form a part of the McGowan Government's commitment to support people to continue their everyday life in the community, out of hospital and close to personal support from family and friends.

The Bunbury service will join three other community step up/down services around the State which are currently operational in Joondalup, Rockingham and Albany.

It will complement the nearly $40 million in other mental health and alcohol and other drug services that the State Government provides through government and non-government organisations to people throughout the South-West.

Premier Mark McGowan said the establishment of this service will give people living in the South-West another option for mental health treatment and support.

"Community mental health step up/step down services provide a vital service - to help people manage their mental health in the community, providing them with the opportunity to recover faster and avoid unnecessary stays in hospitals," he said.

"We know that people recover better when they have their personal networks close by."

For support, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling or Lifeline in a crisis situation on 13 11 14.

For more information on community mental health step up/step down services visit http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au.