Somewhere to safe: Women's experiences of a Women-Only Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) Service

This research aimed to explore women’s experiences of a sub-acute Women-Only Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) Service in Australia. The research used a mixed methods design. Study one involved descriptive analysis of a Consumer Satisfaction Survey routinely completed by consumers on discharge from the Women-Only PARC service. The study one results led to the development of study two, using Photovoice and qualitative methods. Study two involved twelve women in a PARCs aftercare program, who took photographs representing their experiences of engaging in the Women-Only PARC service. This study presents two key messages for practice. Firstly, women with mental health issues value connections with peers with similar lived experiences. Secondly, women value a physical environment and staff that foster feelings of safety and enable opportunities for discussions on all topics, including those that can be challenging.