Young people across North and Central Queensland are one step closer to accessing specialist mental health support closer to home, with construction contractors appointed for two new residential facilities in Townsville and Rockhampton.
The purpose-built Youth Step Up Step Down facilities will provide a safe and supportive place for young people aged 16 to 21 who need more intensive mental health care than community services can provide, but do not require hospital admission.
Barpa Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver the six-bed Townsville facility at Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s Vincent Health Campus, while Paynters Pty Ltd will construct a six-bed facility in Rockhampton’s Berserker suburb.
Both projects are progressing through design development, with construction expected to begin later this year and the facilities scheduled to be operational late next year.
For young people experiencing mental health challenges, getting the right support closer to home at the right time can make a significant difference to their recovery.
The new purpose built facilities will fill an important gap in mental health care for young people in these regions and offer short-term residential stays of up to 28 days, providing 24/7 support in a community setting.
Rather than being admitted to hospital, young people will have access to a structured environment where they can focus on their wellbeing, build confidence and develop practical skills to support their recovery.
The services will also help young people transitioning out of hospital, providing additional support as they return to everyday life.
Importantly, the residential model is designed to help young people maintain connections with family, friends, education, employment and their local communities while receiving the care they need.
The Townsville and Rockhampton projects form part of the Queensland Government’s $50 million investment in Youth Step Up Step Down services, expanding the range of specialist mental health support available to young people in regional Queensland.
Both the Townsville and Rockhampton projects are fully funded through the Mental Health Levy.
In Rockhampton, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service will provide clinical care in partnership with a specialist non-government organisation responsible for delivering day-to-day non-clinical support.
Central Queensland Mental Health and Other Drugs Service (CQMHAODS) General Manager Kelley Yates said the new service would give young people and their families another option when specialist support was needed.
“Being able to access this type of specialised care closer to home can make a significant difference for young people and their families at what can be an incredibly challenging time,” she said.
“This service will focus not only on a young person’s immediate mental health needs, but also on building the skills, confidence and connections that can support their recovery.”
The facilities will complement existing mental health services in both regions, providing local health teams with greater flexibility to match young people with the level of care that best meets their needs.
With contractors now appointed and design work progressing, the projects mark an important step towards delivering more accessible, community-based mental health support for young people across North and Central Queensland.