Step Up Step Down

Step Up Step Down (SUSD) Bunbury is a 28-day recovery support service for South West residents experiencing mental distress.  When ‘stepping down’ from a hospital admission, SUSD Bunbury assists people to gradually transition to home. When ‘stepping up’ from home, SUSD Bunbury supports those experiencing increased distress to remain in the community and build coping strategies to avoid hospital admission. 

The Richmind WA Step Up Step Down Bunbury service is designed to provide a home-like environment where people who have recently experienced mental distress can stay for up to 30 days on their journey to recovery. The service can accommodate up to 10 people at any given time.  Staffed with dedicated mental health recovery professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, each resident is provided with a key worker who will partner with them to assist in actioning their personal recovery plan.  

During a person’s stay, they will participate in programs and activities, including art, music, mindfulness exercises, group therapy, healthy eating and physical activity that will assist them to take positive action towards independent living while remaining part of their local community, close to family and friends.  

Step Up Step Down Bunbury service team works closely with Bunbury Regional Hospital and the Community Treatment team, as well as many  GP’s, social services and community groups.   

The Step Up Step Down program is referral based – your medical practitioner can provide more information, and a pathway to service.  

Please note that the service is not an alcohol or other drug rehabilitation facility or a crisis accommodation service.   

• Aged between 18-64 years.
• Have a primary diagnosis of mental illness.
• Reside in the South West region with a confirmed address and accommodation to exit to.
• Must be referred by a psychiatrist, mental health professional or GP.
• Require a current mental health care plan, risk assessment and medication profile.
• Does not require acute inpatient admission and treatment.
• Primary presenting problem is not alcohol or drug misuse and associated withdrawal.

Service entry requests for individuals 16-17 years of age, or older than 64 years will be considered on an individual basis and may require Mental Health Commission approval. Guardian consent, as well as additional assessment, may be required to ensure adequate safeguarding and suitability in a residential setting.

Residents are asked to make a $100 weekly contribution to the cost of meals. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties please contact us to discuss your situation.

To apply for this service, please contact Richmind WA’s Intake team via email intake@rw.org.au or call us on 1800 742 466 (available 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday) to speak with a team member. Our team will then send you the relevant form and other information to help you through this referral process.

Please ensure all Eligibility and Service Entry Criteria are met when submitting your referral.

Richmind WA takes your privacy very seriously. Any personal information collected will be protected by Richmind WA policies and procedures. In the referral process, this will include your social, medical and psychological information.