In a historic move, Victoria has introduced the pioneering Women's Recovery Network (WREN), the country's first dedicated public women's mental health service. The initiative is a response to insights and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and has been backed by an investment of over $100 million.

WREN is a collaborative effort between public and private healthcare providers Alfred Health, Goulburn Valley Health, and Ramsay Health Care, and aims to revolutionise mental health care for women in Victoria. The service is designed to provide specialised and secure care, creating a haven for women facing various mental health challenges.

From an integrated care perspective, the Hamilton Centre team welcomes the launch of this much-needed service, which will introduce pioneering approaches to women-centred and holistic care provision with a trauma-informed lens.

WREN is more than just a facility

It is a mental health service that caters to the unique needs of women. The service, which is located in Melbourne and Shepparton, provides accessibility in both urban and regional settings and can support more than 750 women annually.

The Melbourne facility on Albert Road comprises 35 mental health beds, 24 inpatient beds, and six hospital in-home beds, which aligns with the government's broader commitment to mental health. The Victorian Budget 2023/24 outlines a further $776 million of investment.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt has emphasised the pivotal role of WREN in reshaping mental health care.

"This Australian-first public service will transform how we care for women when they may be at their most vulnerable –giving Victorian women the care and services they deserve,” she said.

Nina Taylor, Member for Albert Park, also praised the initiative, highlighting its significance in her electorate.

 "This new service in the heart of inner Melbourne is an example of the meaningful steps we have taken to ensure women can access the dedicated care and treatment they need to live a full life,” she said.

WREN represents a beacon of hope and progress in the evolving landscape of mental health care for women in Victoria.