A new peer-led mental health service will open in Moolap, offering Victorians experiencing a crisis a safe and supportive alternative to hospital. The Lived Experience Residential Service is the first of its kind in the state, led by people who have personally navigated mental health challenges.
Announced by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, the initiative is backed by a $7 million investment from the Allan Labor Government. It will operate as a residential, non-clinical program where people over 18 can access support in a home-like environment for up to three weeks.
“Victoria’s first peer-led residential mental health service will be life-changing—offering a safe, home-like environment where people in distress are supported by peers who truly understand what they’re going through,” Ms Stitt said.
Rather than traditional hospital admission, the service offers a community-based setting where support is flexible and grounded in lived experience. Residents can cook meals, take part in group discussions, or go for walks with peer workers who have been through similar experiences.
“This new model of care is about choice, compassion and connection—giving Victorians a genuine alternative to hospital, designed and delivered by people with lived experience, and centred on recovery, dignity and hope,” Ms Stitt said.
The program will open in stages, starting with four beds early next year, followed by another four by mid-2026. Alongside day-to-day support, staff will help residents connect to clinical or community services if required, ensuring continuity of care beyond their stay.
The service is part of the Victorian Government’s broader response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which called for a residential service run by those with lived experience.
Mind Australia will operate the service, which was developed in partnership with Alfred Mental and Addiction Health. First Nations perspectives were included throughout the design process, with dedicated cultural safety training and staff roles embedded into the service.
“Mind Australia is proud to lead the establishment of the first Lived Experience Residential Service in Victoria as this service will provide the opportunity to forge new ground in the delivery of lived experience-led services,” said Gill Callister, CEO of Mind Australia.
“Victoria’s first Lived Experience Residential Service will deliver support to people experiencing mental health crisis and distress through a transformative approach that centres connection, compassion and healing,” added Mind Australia’s Executive Director Lived Experience, Katie Larsen.
Local MP Christine Couzens welcomed the news, highlighting the benefit for the Geelong region. “This new peer-led service is a huge win for our community—giving people in Geelong and across the region access to vital mental health support close to home, in a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.
Once fully operational, the service will be formally evaluated to inform the potential roll-out of more peer-led residential programs across Victoria.
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