Secure Extended Care Unit
Our Secure Extended Care Unit (SECU) is a bed-based facility staffed 24/7. The multidisciplinary team cares for adults living with severe and enduring mental challenges with a strong focus on psychosocial rehabilitation.
Who we care for
SECU is part of the Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (GMHWS) at Grampians Health.
It is a specialist bed-based service providing medium-to-long-term care for adults who need ongoing support for complex mental health needs.
Care is focused on recovery and can be provided either voluntarily or under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, depending on individual circumstances.
This service is available to eligible people across the Grampians region. SECU can also provide support to consumers from Barwon and South West Mental Health Services.
What you can expect
SECU is designed for people whose needs cannot be met in less restrictive settings. It offers a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that promotes stability, support, dignity, and hope.
We support you every step of the way:
- Admission and orientation - You will be welcomed into the unit and supported to understand the environment.
- Assessment - A full mental health assessment helps us understand your needs and recovery goals.
- Care planning - We work with you and your support network to create a personalised recovery plan.
- Leave from SECU - Leave is planned with you, your carers and your treating team. We aim to offer leave as early as possible. Alcohol and other drugs use may affect your leave. These substances are not allowed during your stay, as they can impact safety and recovery. Support is available for substance use concerns.
- Therapeutic support - Includes one-on-one and group therapies, medication management, and recovery-focused activities.
- Review and transition planning - Your progress is reviewed regularly. When ready, we help plan your move community-based care.
Referrals and access
- Referrals must come from acute inpatient units, community mental health teams, or mental health clinicians in consultation with your treating team.
- Admission is based on clinical assessment, risk, and suitability for extended care in a secure setting.
- All admissions are planned. We only accept clients from bed-based facilities.
- SECU does not accept direct community admissions.