New mental health service centre for Broome

By PETER ROWE

The Yinajalan Ngarrungunil Health and Wellbeing Campus in Broome is to host a contemporary residential-style facility that will provide greater access to adult mental health services without the need to travel far from home.

The Step Up/Step Down service has been designed to bridge the gap between home and hospital for people experiencing a change in their mental health.

“The Step Up/Step Down service in Broome will provide more flexible, community-based mental health services for people living in the Kimberley region,’ Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.

“The facility will offer short-term rehabilitation for people suffering with mental health concerns who do not require acute care but might not be able to manage at home.”

Once established, the six-bed service will provide short-term residential care in a home-like, therapeutic setting that is close to family and friends.

Residents will receive a range of mental health services such as counselling and therapy for up to 28 days.

The service will also cater for people who previously received treatment in hospital but no longer require an acute level of care.

Additional support will be available to help people re-establish themselves in their home and community by building healthy routines and coping strategies.