Mental Health Service

The Willows Community Care Unit

The Willows Unit is located in Gilchrist Avenue and Mayday Court, Beechworth. There are 7 homes that accommodate 18 clients.

The Willows provides a service to people between 16 and 64 years who experience persistent symptoms and behavioural difficulties in relation to their mental illness. These symptoms substantially impair people’s capacity to live more independently in the wider community.

The clients who live in The Willows are like other residents of the town in that they are able to visit the shops, and take in the cultural aspects of the town, etc.

The service provides a range of programs that are tailored to maximise clients strengths: Rehabilitation and recovery program for clients moving to independent community living situations Illness demystification and symptom management Opportunities for development and maintenance of each individual’s optimal level of functioning Family and relative consultation Provision of treatment and accommodation options for people living in the Hume Region of Victoria

The unit is staffed 24 hours a day by registered psychiatric nurses. An Activity Officer also provides day to day recreational activities in accordance with the client’s preferences.

The clients have access to a range of Allied Health professionals as the need arises.

The clients are reviewed by a psychiatrist on a regular basis as needed.

Referrals for admission to The Willows are initially made to the Unit Manager; generally the referrals are made by a client’s case manager. Priority lists for admission are determined after discussion with regional senior mental health clinicians.

Clients living in The Willows are required to pay 87.5 % of their disability pension to cover all living expenses.

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