The Northern PARCS is a supported residential service for people experiencing a significant mental health problem. It is a 10 bed facility located in Preston, offering 24 hour supported care, complemented by on-site clinical support.
PARCS aims to assist in preventing an acute inpatient admission and is also an option to support discharge from inpatient units where further support is needed before an individual returns home. The service is not a substitute for an inpatient admission. It is an option for people who are becoming unwell or are still recovering from an acute illness and need a short period of additional support to reduce the likelihood of a re-admission to acute inpatient services. Individual recovery work is supported through the provision of the Optimal Health Program; a group based program aimed at supporting learning and skill development.
Northern PARCS is available to consumers currently supported by Northern Area Mental Health Service or Neami (Thornbury, Regent and Thomastown).