Prevention and Recovery Care (16+)
Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) is a short-stay residential mental health service in Shepparton. It offers a safe, homelike place to stay, with support available 24 hours a day, for people who need some extra support with their mental health but do not need to be in hospital.
PARC is delivered in partnership between Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (GVAMHWS) at GV Health and Wellways Australia, and has been supporting people in our community since 2003.
The name reflects what the service offers. ‘Prevention’ means getting support early, when you first notice you are becoming unwell, so a hospital stay may be avoided. ‘Recovery’ means building on your strengths, skills and supports so you can get back to your life and stay well.
What is PARC?
PARC is more than a bed. It is a recovery-focused program in a safe, structured and supportive environment.
- A residential service for up to ten people at a time, with individual and shared unit-style living and common recreational areas
- Staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year
- Most people stay between seven and 14 days, with a maximum stay of 28 days
- Located in the community in Shepparton, within walking distance of shops, a pharmacy and public transport
Who is PARC for?
PARC is for people aged 16 years and over who are connected with GVAMHWS and who would benefit from short-term, intensive support in a residential setting. People come to PARC in two ways:
- Step-up – you are living in the community and are becoming unwell, or notice early signs of relapse, and short-term residential support may help you stay well and avoid a hospital admission
- Step-down – you are leaving an inpatient mental health unit and would benefit from extra support and time before returning home
People staying at PARC are called participants, because PARC works best when you take an active part in the program and work towards your own recovery goals.
Who will support me?
The PARC team brings together staff from Wellways and GV Health who work in partnership to support your recovery:
- Wellways recovery workers – on site 24 hours a day, providing practical support with daily living, wellbeing and working towards your recovery goals
- Lived and living experience workers – peer support workers who use their own experience of mental health challenges and recovery to walk alongside you
- PARC clinician – a GV Health mental health clinician on site who supports your care planning and can provide psychological therapies
- Doctors – a medical officer or psychiatry registrar and a consultant psychiatrist provide medical and psychiatric care, including a physical health check soon after you arrive and regular reviews during your stay
What can I expect?
- Your own recovery plan – developed with you, based on the goals that matter to you, and reviewed regularly with you and your team
- A structured day – including a morning meeting to plan the day, recovery-focused groups to build skills and share experiences, and shared meals that participants plan, cook and enjoy together
- Support with your medication – staff support you with your medication and help you build confidence to manage it yourself
- Keeping up your routine – you are encouraged to continue the things that support your wellbeing, such as work, study, appointments and time with family and friends
- Planned leave – time away from PARC, such as visits home or family events, can be planned with your team as part of your recovery
- Connections that last – support to link with your GP, community services and supports that continue after you leave
PARC is an alcohol and drug free environment. If substance use is part of what you are working on, the team can support you and connect you with services as part of your care.
How are family, carers and supporters involved?
Families, carers and supporters play a vital role in recovery. With your consent, the PARC team will involve the people who support you in planning your care, your stay and your return home. PARC can also give carers information and support, and a stay at PARC can provide carers with a period of respite while you are well supported.
How do I access PARC?
Entry to PARC is by referral through GVAMHWS. If you are already connected with a community mental health team or are in an inpatient unit, talk with your treating team about whether PARC could be right for you. Your team will talk it through with you, and with your family or carer if you wish, and arrange the referral.
If you are not currently connected with our mental health service, call GV Health Mental Health Triage on 1300 369 005, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is PARC a hospital?
No. PARC is a residential service in the community with a homelike environment. There is 24-hour support and clinical care available on site, but it is not a hospital ward. Many people find it a helpful step between hospital and home, or a supportive alternative to a hospital admission.
How long can I stay?
Most people stay between seven and 14 days. The maximum stay is 28 days, considered on a case-by-case basis. Your length of stay is planned with you based on your goals and needs.
Can I refer myself to PARC?
Referrals come through GVAMHWS, so the first step is to talk with your treating team or case manager. If you are not connected with the service, call Mental Health Triage on 1300 369 005 to talk about what support is available.
What happens when I arrive?
There is an entry meeting with you, your referring clinician and the PARC team, and your carer or family if you wish. Together you will start your recovery plan, talk about your goals, and settle into the program. A doctor will also complete a physical health check soon after you arrive.
Will I have my own space?
Yes. PARC offers individual and shared unit-style living designed for privacy, personal space and safety, with common areas for group activities and shared meals.
What will I do each day?
Each day includes a morning meeting, recovery-focused group sessions and shared activities, alongside your own commitments and individual time with staff. You are encouraged to take part in the program while keeping up the routines that support your wellbeing.
Who looks after my medication?
Your medication comes to PARC in a Webster pack and staff support you with it. Where appropriate, you will be supported to manage your own medication as a step towards independence.
Can my family and carers visit and be involved?
Yes. With your consent, family, carers and supporters are welcomed and involved in your care and your planning for going home. Talk with the team about visiting arrangements.
Can I leave PARC during my stay?
Yes. PARC is not a locked facility. Time away, such as a visit home or a family event, is planned with your team so it supports your recovery and safety.
What happens when I leave?
Planning for leaving starts early in your stay. The team works with you, your community mental health team, your GP and, with your consent, your family or carer, so the supports you need are in place before you go home.
What if I need an interpreter?
Interpreters can be arranged. Tell staff or your treating team if you or your family need an interpreter.
- ADDRESS
Monash Street
Shepparton, 3630
- CONTACT
- REFERRALS
For referrals please contact Mental Health triage 1300 369 005