Step Up Step Down Unit

The Step Up Step Down unit is a short-term sub-acute residential service (up to 28 days) with recovery-focused mental health support to help consumers transition out of hospital, or to avoid a hospital admission.

This residential service is located in Bundaberg but is for people from across Wide Bay area who are experiencing severe mental health issues that make being at home difficult. Step Up Step Down is for people who need a place with clinical and non-clinical support, as well as the time out to work on their recovery and put in place some plans for living safely in the community. 

Staying at the Step Up Step Down service gives eligible consumers a safe, supported place to recover. There is a mixture of structured activity and individual one-on-one support time. Family, friends and members of support networks are welcome to visit and be part of our consumers’ recovery planning. 

Step Up Step Down consumers have access to 24-hour support with a staff team that includes: 

• A mental health clinician 

• Community mental health practitioners 

• A peer support worker 

• A family engagement worker 

The Step Up Step Down unit can accommodate up to 10 people at one time. It provides bedrooms with ensuites and shared living spaces, including an outdoor barbecue area. Staying there is voluntary and there is no charge for accommodation or meals. 

To be eligible to stay at the Step Up Step Down service, consumers must: 

• be currently receiving care from a Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service mental health service 

• be willing to actively participate in planning and working on their recovery 

• require intensive support to prevent a mental health relapse or a hospital admission, or 

• require intensive support to further recover before returning home after a hospital admission. 

Referral to this Service can only come through the Wide Bay Mental Health Service.