Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
CuddlebearSenior Contributor
Hi everyone I’m just wanting to know if anyone has gone as an inpatient to WREN which is a mental health facility in Victoria for women. It is different to APARC. I’m keen to know if any women have used this service and what it was like. If in Victoria and you’ve never heard of WREN there is a link below to their website.
In response to: WREN Women’s Recovery Network Victoria
Captain24Senior Contributor
My clinic was run by Ramsay as well. @Cuddlebear
All I can suggest is go and see what it’s like. I was terrified when I first went as I had had no experience with hospital but I have private health insurance which is why I went private. I made some good friends in there and there is a couple I still speak to and one of them has become a really close friend who comes and visits me. It was the best experience for my mental health. The second stay I even found my psych!
I found a lot of people welcoming and supportive. I was allowed leave but only to walk places but the beach was close and that’s the o my place I went. We could catch trains into the major town but I didn’t know the area and don’t actually know how to catch a train! 😜
i did a taper and the Pdoc did it quick and it was hard but I had support. It was much easier than the taper I had to do at home to come of the other medication.
Give it a go. We will be here for you and remember it’s voluntary so you are able to leave if it’s not for you or what you thought. I had people leave both stays I had. My stays were suppose to be 3 weeks. The first one was but the second was nearly 6 weeks with the taper and med change.
I’ll be behind you all the way.
Im actually doing pretty well at the moment. This morning was really hard but I have managed to turn it around.
In response to: WREN Women’s Recovery Network Victoria
RadderSenior Contributor
Hi @Cuddlebear, WREN's website says they have peer support workers who meet you at admission and show you around. There are daily "Mutual Help Meetings", and they have a policy of "Nothing about me without me". So it sounds like you will be supported and heard.
See https://www.wren.org.au/care-support and https://www.wren.org.au/your-stay
Perhaps try grounding to reduce your natural fear and better position yourself to self-advocate by stating your primary concerns about withdrawing up-front - it sounds like you will be listened to.
In response to: WREN Women’s Recovery Network Victoria
unstablebutterfCasual Contributor
I completely understand [edited by moderator]. I know how daunting it can be, 6 weeks away from home for me and I have only seen my mum. No friends come to visit, or even check in to be honest.
I say give it a go, explain your concerns at the start and what your goal is for discharge. And if it doesn't fit or feel right you can discharge yourself. Hopefully where you are, they support more then they did with me. @Cuddlebear
In response to: WREN Women’s Recovery Network Victoria
unstablebutterfCasual Contributor
And im that out of whack.. 9 different med changes in the last week and a half. No tapering off, just whipped away, or straight replaced. No gradual increase either.. and the rage! Im scared of myself! The psych pushed me past breaking point as she just inst listening.. and i had to walk out, or i was going to hit her. Tjat isnt me at all, i wont hurt a fly.. so im not a big fan of parc atm @Cuddlebear
In response to: WREN Women’s Recovery Network Victoria
AuntGlowModerator
Hello @unstablebutterf,
Thank you so much for your beautiful support. And hello lovely @Cuddlebear! 🫶
I am just stopping by to let you know that I have edited your comment about connecting in person. You haven't done anything wrong, however, we are an anonymous forum, so members are unable to share indentifying information.
(Which you can find more about here: https://saneforums.org/t5/help/faqpage/title/community-guidelines)
You are absolutely welcome to keep sharing your experiences and supporting your new forum friends - we just have to make sure it's anonymous! 🥰
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
