Lived experience-led mental health service set for Geelong

VICTORIA’S first lived experience-led mental health residential service will be established in Geelong, marking a major shift in how people in crisis are supported.

The short-stay residence will be developed by Mind Australia in Moolap and will provide free support in a home-like setting for people experiencing mental health crisis and distress.

The service, which has strong support from Barwon Health, will open early next year with four beds, expanding to eight beds by mid-2026.

These beds will be available for to anyone aged 18 and over experiencing high levels of distress, with guests able to stay anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks, depending on their needs.

Mind Australia chief executive Gill Callister said the announcement was a significant milestone for peer-led mental health support in Victoria.

“Mind is proud to lead the establishment of the first Lived Experience Residential Service in Victoria. This service will provide the opportunity to forge new ground in the delivery of lived experience-led services, in partnership with the Victorian government, lived experience and sector partners, and the community.

“We are both humbled and committed to leading this important service in its establishment and delivery, which will play a critical role in ensuring that Victorians have choice and improved outcomes when reaching out for mental health support.”

Peer workers will work with guests on their healing journey, drawing on their own mental health challenges to support others in their recovery, and will help guests build family and community connections to ensure they have continued support when they are ready to leave the service.

Staff will also be on hand to connect guests with additional supports if required, including connecting with social groups and accessing clinical care, which will be provided in partnership with Barwon Health.

Mind executive director of lived experienced Katie Larsen said the service offers a “transformative approach” to support that “centres on connection, compassion and healing informed by the knowledge, wisdom and insight of lived experience”.

“It will offer a unique and critical component in the reform of the mental health system in Victoria, particularly how those with lived experience can and must shape and lead the mental health services and supports of the future.”

Developed in partnership with the Victorian government and Alfred Mental and Addiction Health, the model builds on evidence-based lived experience approaches to healing and has been designed for people seeking alternatives to what is traditionally offered.