Your stay
Our goal is to create a comfortable, inclusive environment that promotes healing, trust, kindness and respect.
Your care team
At Ngamai Wilam, you are placed at the centre of your recovery journey. We have a wide range of professionals working within the care team. This includes lived experience peer workers, allied health, nursing, medical and other health and supportive care practitioners. Other important members of our team include our chef, kitchen and housekeeping staff.
Group program
Throughout your stay, you'll have access to a range of groups that support recovery, wellbeing, and the development of practical life skills.
Your room
Each person has their own private room and ensuite bathroom. You are welcome to bring some personal items to make you feel at home during your stay.
What to expect when you arrive
Starting your stay at Ngamai Wilam is a big step and we are here to support you.
When you arrive, your Peer Support Worker will be there to welcome you. We encourage you to bring family or other chosen support people with you on admission day.
During your first day, you will:
- Settle in and get oriented to the house
- Meet the Ngamai Wilam team and other participants
- Begin your introduction to the program
What is a regular day like at Ngamai Wilam?
There is a structured daily routine that involves group and individual therapy, and meal therapy.
Meal therapy consists of three meals and three snacks per day.
In addition to therapy, there are other supportive activities such as peer support, art therapy and gardening.
What to expect during mealtimes
Meal times include 3 main meals and 3 snacks each day. We understand that mealtimes can be distressing, but there is support during this period.
During meal support, staff aim to foster social connections and embrace the social aspect of the meal by engaging in conversations that highlight identities beyond the eating disorders and discourage topics around weight, calories, and movement.
Music, conversation cards and games may be used to foster a supportive mealtime environment.
Meal plans and menus
Each participant will be prescribed a meal plan by a Dietitian; this is collaboratively reviewed on a weekly basis. We have our own commercial kitchen, and all food is prepared onsite.
At Ngamai Wilam, we recognise the importance of providing meals that are safe, nourishing, and culturally and personally respectful. At this time, we are not yet able to cater for individuals who follow a vegan diet.
Participants have the opportunity to review the menu options weekly and select their preferences. Further information on menu options and dietary needs can be raised during the intake process.
Nothing about me without me
At Ngamai Wilam, we believe that no decisions about your treatment and care should be made without you. You are supported to be actively involved in decisions about your treatment and care.
This includes:
- Setting goals together with our team
- Planning what recovery looks like for you
- Documenting your journey with your team
Participants may stay for up to 12 weeks, depending on individual needs and goals.
All leave needs to be discussed with your care team. Together, we will explore the benefits and challenges to ensure it aligns with your recovery goals. Unplanned leave can sometimes disrupt your treatment and impact your progress, so we encourage open communication to find the best approach for you.
There is an expectation that participants remain onsite for meals, for the duration of the group program and when medically advised to do so. However, as Ngamai Wilam is a voluntary program in a house, participants are able to come and go during their free time.
We offer an inclusive environment. Your care team is here to help and you can discuss your individual needs at the time of your referral.
There is no smoking or vaping permitted in the house or on the grounds.
Alcohol and illegal drugs, including drug paraphernalia, are not allowed in the house or the grounds.
Your accommodation is covered by Medicare but you will be expected to pay for any prescribed medications.
We work closely with a local community pharmacy to provide and deliver the necessary medications.
Medications may need to be packed in a Webster pack by the pharmacy at a cost of $10 per week.
The Ngamai Wilam pharmacist will be in contact with you prior to and early in your stay to discuss medications and what you should bring.
They will also review your medications in collaboration with you and your care team, offering support to help manage your medications throughout your stay and on discharge.
Visiting Hours
We welcome and encourage visits from family and supporters, as these connections are important to recovery.
Please keep in mind:
- Participants are engaged in a structured therapeutic program, and it's important that visits do not interrupt scheduled activities
- All visitors are required to leve the premises by 8:00pm
- Respecting each individual’s need for space and privacy is essential
- We encourage open communication with staff to help plan visits that are supportive and aligned with the participant’s goals
Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and recovery-focused environment.
All referrals will go through a triage process to ensure our program is the right fit for you.
At times, there may be a waitlist. To support you during this time, Bayside Health has partnered with Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) to provide additional guidance and care while you wait for admission. This is in addition to the support you receive from your current treatment team.
Medicare covers your stay, but you are responsible for incidental expenses including:
- Medications
- Therapy related outings (e.g. meals, grocery shopping)
- Any travel related expenses
- Any required ambulance transport. We highly recommend that participants subscribe to Victorian ambulance cover ahead of their stay to cover this cost
- Visit Ambulance Victoria for further details