Victoria’s First Peer-Led Residential Mental Health Service to Open in Geelong
17 Sep 2025
Set to begin operations in early 2026, the Lived Experience Residential Service will provide short-term, home-like care for people aged 18 and older who need support with their mental health.
Key details
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Opening 2026: First four beds available early 2026; all eight beds operational by mid-2026.
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Length of stay: From a few days to up to three weeks.
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Delivered by: Mind Australia, with peer workers providing evidence-informed, recovery-focused support.
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Partnership: Close collaboration with Barwon Health to connect people to longer-term or clinical services.
Why it matters
This new model places people with lived and living experience at the centre of care, offering:
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An alternative to hospital-based mental health care
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Support that is person-led, inclusive, and recovery-focused
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A new pathway for clinicians and referrers when hospital stays may not be the best option
The service has been codesigned with lived experience leaders alongside Alfred Mental and Addiction Health, and responds directly to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System’s recommendation for peer-led residential care.
Once fully operational, the trial service will be evaluated to guide the future expansion of peer-led residential models across the state.
Source: Victorian Government / Mind Australia
