A BENDIGO youth mental health accommodation facility will be replicated in five other parts of the state, to help hundreds more young Victorians access support.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the building project would double the capacity of the state's Youth Prevention and Recovery Care network. There was $141 million set aside in the budget to help construct five 10-bed facilities in Shepparton, Ballarat, Geelong, Heidelberg and Traralgon.
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The Bendigo facility will be given a revamp worth about $6 million. The rejuvenation was first announced in May.
The facilities provide around-the-clock clinical care on a short-to-medium term basis for people aged 16 to 25. They are designed to reduce pressure on hospital beds by providing early intervention care and an alternative to hospital admission.
Mr Andrews said the centres provided a welcoming and home-like environment.
The new facilities will support another 900 Victorians aged 16 to 25, as part of a commitment following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
Mental Health Minister James Merlino said the facilities would allow young people to be treated closer to their support networks and local community.
Construction will begin next year.
With the Australian Associated Press
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