The Peer Healing Space is a free, residential mental health service for anyone aged 18 or older experiencing high levels of distress.
A person can stay at the Peer Healing Space for a few days, or for up to three weeks, to receive mental health support.
The service provides short-term care in a home-like environment. It acts as an additional option for people who might not benefit from a hospital stay. Guests have their own private room in a warm, shared house. There are no uniforms, no locked doors, and no forced treatment.
Guests staying at the Peer Healing Space can choose how they spend their time at the service. This includes what support they receive and who is involved in their recovery. While at the service they can:
- receive one-to-one support
- participate in optional group activities and outings
- include family or friends in their recovery, if they wish
- access any existing support they may be currently receiving or additional support they would like.
The Peer Healing Space is located in Geelong and will offer nine beds across two houses on the one site. The first house is open now and available for referrals. Referrals to the service can be made directly by phone or email to the service, or by a health professional or support person.
A second house, with a further five beds, will open in late 2026.
For more information visit Mind Australia.
Lived experience-led design
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended a peer-led residential model, designed by and for people with lived experience. The Peer Healing Space delivers on that recommendation.
It has been co-designed by people with significant expertise and lived and living experience, led by Mind Australia in partnership with Alfred Mental and Addiction Health.
First Nations perspectives have been actively engaged in the design and development of the service. There are also dedicated staff and training to support cultural safety for First Nations guests.
The service is run by a highly experienced and skilled peer workforce delivering 24/7 supports to guests. The workforce have lived and living experience of mental health challenges and are trained to provide a range of supports. This includes connecting people to longer-term support or clinical services, if they choose, in partnership with Barwon Health.
The Peer Healing Space will run as a 12-month trial until June 2027, during which time it will be independently evaluated.
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