Expanding PARC sites in South East Melbourne

Monash Health has awarded Wellways Australia the contract to manage its five Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) sites in Melbourne’s south-east.

PARCs provide short-term residential support for people with severe mental health challenges. The program provides a blended model of clinical and community mental health support for participants recovering from or at risk of an acute mental health episode.

The program focuses on participants having access to, and understanding their own mental health treatment options, connecting with peers and the community, supporting a strong sense of self, and planning for the future.

“PARCs provide an important circuit breaker for people at critical times in their life,” Ms Collister said. “Our PARCs put people first offering valuable mental health support and recovery-focused care in the community.”

The Monash Health PARC sites are in Narre Warren, Dandenong, Springvale and Clayton and include a PARC for women, a PARC for youth (16-25 years) and an extended stay PARC where participants can stay for up to six months.

“No-one understands a participant’s journey as well as they do, so we work alongside our participants, their families and community to understand what matters most to them and support them in their recovery,” Ms Collister said.

“We are excited to work in partnership with Victoria’s largest provider of healthcare services, Monash Health to offer PARC services that provide people with the opportunity to recharge and reflect in a safe and supportive environment.”

Monash Health Mental Health Program General Manager, Paula Hakesley said "the Wellways model and philosophies aligned well with Monash Health's clinical processes to support continuity of care for participants and their family/carers, in providing a well-rounded and integrated service focused on recovery and community inclusion.”

“Wellways has a long track record of success in delivering mental health support and managing PARC services and we are extremely pleased to have them join us in partnership to provide collaborative mental health services” she said. “While there will be some changes for patients, the core aspects of our Model of Care and service delivery will remain the same.”

“Taking on these five PARC services in the South East means an additional 1200 people each year will receive support from Wellways as we build on the strengths of the existing program. We also look forward to welcoming new people to the Wellways team across the five sites,” says Ms Collister.