Adult Community Residential Mental Health

For people aged 25-64 years

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The Adult Community Residential Mental Health service offers community residences to assist in recovery from mental health issues. We are part of the Alfred Mental and Addiction Health service.

What we do

We have a number of residential community options to assist people in their recovery. These include:

Alma Road Community Care Unit (ARCC)

ARCC provides a medium-term residential rehabilitation program for up to 14 people living on site in four shared, self-contained units. It has 24-hour on-site clinical support and case management.

Team members include:

We can also refer you to an employment consultant, dietitian or other services as needed.

Prevention and Recovery Care Unit (PARC)

PARC is a 10-bed unit that we manage with our partners, ermha365, who specialise in complex mental health and disability support work. We deliver a psychosocial recovery-orientated program in a safe home-like environment.

PARC provides care and support to people during the early stages of relapse (called step-up) and immediately post-discharge from hospital (called step-down).

Clinical support is provided 7 days a week with ermha365 providing 24-hour on-site support. 

Who we care for

ARCC and PARC care is available to clients who are currently part of the Alfred Mental and Addiction Health service and in the following categories:

  • Are aged between 25-64 years
  • Live in the inner south of Melbourne
  • Require residential rehabilitation services

PARC also delivers care to clients of Star Health Community Health Service's Mental Health Program.

What to expect

Our programs are based on the principles of recovery-oriented practice.

Recovery-oriented practice means:

  • We encourage self-determination and self-management of people’s mental health and wellbeing
  • Our program involves tailored, personalised, strengths-based care that is responsive to people’s unique strengths, circumstances, needs and preferences
  • We support people to define their goals, wishes and aspirations
  • We use an approach to working with people that addresses a range of factors that impact their wellbeing, such as housing, education and employment, family and social relationships
  • We support people’s right to social inclusion, community participation and citizenship

We will work with you to help:

  • Assist you in self-management of your illness to improve your quality of life
  • Reduce the need for an in-patient admission to hospital
  • Improve your skills and independence
  • Assist you in identifying goals and aspirations for the future
  • Keep in touch with your family, friends and carers
  • Participate in local community activities to promote social inclusion

Commonly asked questions

How long will I stay?

This varies and depends on which program you have been referred to.

What is PARC?

PARC is a short-term program that provides support, care and treatment. The average stay is 2 weeks but can be up to 28 days.

What is ARCC?

ARCC has an initial 6-week assessment program. Participation allows you and the team to decide whether or not this is the right place and program for you in your recovery journey.

If the decision is made to continue with the program, how long you stay will depend on your progress and discharge goals. The average stay is between 6-24 months. We will work with you to decide the right length of time you spend with us. We will also support you in exploring where you will go after ARCC.

How can I access these services?

PARC referrals are accepted from:

  • Alfred Mental and Addiction Health community and inpatient treatment teams

  • Star Health Mental Health Service case managers or treatment teams

For more information please contact a PARC Senior Clinician by calling (03) 9832 9300 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).

ARCC referrals are accepted from:

  • Alfred Mental and Addiction Health community and inpatient treatment teams by calling (03) 9076 9888 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).

Will I have to pay?

There is no payment required for a stay at PARC.

At ARCC, there is no payment required for the first 6 weeks whilst you participate in the assessment program. If the decision is made to continue at ARCC, all participants are expected to pay rent. More information about this will be provided by staff at ARCC.

Can I smoke and drink alcohol?

No alcohol or other drugs may be consumed on the premises. Persons who are intoxicated may be asked to leave. Alfred Health is a smoke free environment and smoking is not allowed within the Units. If you wish to smoke you must do so outside of the premises.

What to bring

For an overnight (or longer) stay

  • Dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
  • Personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving equipment, toothpaste and deodorant
  • Something to do - like a book to read, a magazine or an iPad or tablet with headphones

What not to bring for an overnight (or longer) stay

  • Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash
  • Valuables, such as jewellery or watches
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