By Catherine Watson

BASS Coast’s housing options will expand with the opening of Haven Wonthaggi, a 12-apartment complex providing secure, supported housing for people living with mental illness.

The first residents are expected to move in by late November.

Pierre Leach from Mind Australia said there was a clear demand for supported accommodation in Bass Coast.

A steady stream of visitors, including prospective tenants and families, called in to inspect the complex during an open day on Thursday.

The self-contained apartments have private courtyards or balconies, while a large communal area provides space for residents to meet, socialise and develop a sense of community.

Rents will be affordable and linked to household income, with tenants offered secure, long-term tenancies and on-site support.

The complex will be operated by Mind Australia, one of Australia’s largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services. Staff will be on site 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mind Australia acting area manager Stephanie Brady said staff would help residents establish routines and take part in activities that reflected their personal goals and wellbeing priorities.

Support will be provided by psychosocial disability support workers, working within the NDIS recovery framework.

At a Haven residence, residents use their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding collectively, working with fellow residents to get the most out of their individual plans.

Wonthaggi Haven received $4.9 million in Victorian Government funding through the Big Housing Build’s Mental Health Supported Housing program.

Haven began in 2005 when a small group of parents and carers set out to find secure, appropriate long-term housing for their adult children living with mental health challenges. They wanted ordinary homes where people could live independently, with support available when they needed it and a community around them.

Their efforts led to the establishment of the Haven Foundation and, in 2011, the opening of the first Haven residence in South Yarra.

There are now 13 Haven residences operating across Victoria, with another 10 under construction.

Some tenants have already been accepted, but places are still available. Eligibility is based on social housing requirements and access to the NDIS for the base support model.

For more information, contact Mind Australia at mindconnect@mindaustralia.org.au or 1300 286 463.