Karratha's new mental healthcare facility takes step forward

• Tender for construction work released
• Residential-style facility to enable care for people in their local community
• Cook Government investing in mental health services where people live

The Cook Government has released the construction tender for Karratha's Step Up/Step Down service.

Located close to the town centre on Gregory Way, once operational the facility will provide psychosocial and clinical support services to help people manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Designed as a homely setting, it will feature six residential units, areas for group activities, communal spaces and staff facilities.

Richmond Wellbeing will lead the support service, in partnership with Hope Community Services.

WA Country Health Service will provide clinical support services such as counselling and therapies.

Step Up/Step Down services are already located in Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Joondalup, Kalgoorlie and Rockingham, with the State Government also working to establish new Step Up/Step Down services in Broome and South Hedland, with a youth-specific service for the Perth metropolitan area.

The services provide short-term, residential support and individualised care for people following discharge from hospital, or those who are in the community experiencing a change in their mental health, to avoid a hospital stay.

The tender is on Tenders WA and closes on 8 November 2024.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"Step Up/Step Down services provide support for people experiencing mental health issues, in a home-like environment, so they can be close to their families, friends and communities.

"The Karratha service is being co-designed with the local community, stakeholders and service providers to ensure it is culturally secure and meets people's needs."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"The services provide short-term, residential support and individualised care for people experiencing mental health issues.

"This facility will help people manage their mental health and wellbeing and live well in the community."