| The Arion PARC provides residential treatment and support to people recovering from admission to a psychiatric unit, or to prevent a relapse of their psychiatric condition.
The service is a partnership between Melbourne Health and Doutta Galla Community Health Service. The PARC model ensures both clinical treatment and social support are available to residents to aid their recovery and to rejoin the community.
The service model is often referred to as Step-Up/Step-Down because it provides an opportunity for early intervention to prevent relapse (Step-Up) as well as an opportunity recover following an acute admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit (Step-Down).
The 10 bed unit is located in Flemington. The service provides short term stays of up to 28 days, although extended stays are possible depending upon the needs of the person.
An important part of the service is the creation of a positive community within a home-like setting, this enables participants to support and respect each other, to work together while preparing meals, cleaning and looking after the unit.
Arion seeks to work together with the person, their families and carers, and the local community to establish a support network that assists the person recover from their mental illness and lead a meaningful life.
DGCHS Recovery Workers work alongside participants to link with:
- Local health services
- Housing services
- Education, training and employment services
- Mental health services
- Recreational services
Melbourne Health staff provide specialist clinical treatment for participants. Clinical staff are on site on a daily basis to provide active clinical support to participants. Health professionals include Consultant Psychiatrist and Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) clinicians.
How are referrals made?
Referrals are made by contacting the Arion CATT Clinician or Team Leader on 9372 5977 who will discuss the potential referral with you.
Following acceptance of the referral a joint assessment by ARION CATT clinician and ARION staff will occur.
Referrals for clients who are case managed by Inner West Area Mental Health Service should be made in conjunction with the case manager.
Other Information
ARION PARC is an open, shared environment and participants must be able to maintain independent self care and behave in a way that is respectful of the rights of fellow participants.
Participants are expected to contribute to program expenses to cover the costs of food, utilities and some recreation activities. This is $10 per day.
Arion is staffed seven days a week:
- Recovery Workers are on site 24 hours a day.
- Staff are available on active duty between 7:30 am and 12:30 am everyday and available in emergencies between 12:30 am and 7:30 am.
- Clinical staff visit twice daily
- The Arion CATT Clinician is on-site during business hours Monday to Friday
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