The Peer Healing Space is now open

Victoria’s first lived experience residential service has opened in Moolap, Geelong.

The Peer Healing Space is a free, residential mental health service for anyone aged 18 or older experiencing high levels of distress. It provides short-term mental health support, in a home-like setting.

Guests at the Peer Healing Space can choose what kind of support they receive; each day is shaped by them. 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.

Led by Mind Australia, the service will be run by a highly experienced and skilled peer workforce. The workforce have lived and living experience of mental health challenges and are trained to provide a range of support. This includes connecting people to longer-term support or clinical services, if they choose, in partnership with Barwon Health.

We know the mental health system is stronger when people with lived and living experience are leading, shaping, and delivering services.

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 and acts as an additional option for people who might not benefit from a hospital stay.

The service will run as a 12-month trial until June 2027, after which it will be evaluated.

Read more about the Peer Healing Space.