If you are in suicidal crisis, please reach out for help.
For emergencies, call Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service or contact the 24-hour NSW Health Mental Health Line for a referral service on 1800 011 511.
Safe Havens / Safe Spaces
The concept of a “Safe Haven/Safe Space” refers to an alternative support service, other than a hospital emergency department, available to people feeling suicidal or otherwise in severe mental distress. These services are offered by both NSW Health and a number of other community organisations and so may go by a variety of names (e.g. STRIDE’s “Safe Spaces”) or within other programmes (e.g. Neami’s “Head to Health.”)
Many consumers find that the calm environment of a Safe Haven/Safe Space, combined with the ability to speak directly to someone else with lived experience, is more helpful and effective in de-escalating things than waiting in a hospital ED.
We’ve put together this searchable map including the locations of “Safe Havens/Safe Spaces” currently operating in NSW. As an advocacy body, BEING does not operate any of these services, so we rely on the information publicly available to share this resource. Please refer to the venue’s website or call the provider to confirm opening hours and specific directions before visiting rather than relying on details included here.
Navigate the map using your cursor and click on a purple icon to find details of your nearest location.
(To view full screen, click on the four corner icon in the top right hand corner of the image below.)
If you know of, or run a drop-in centre, like a Safe Space which is not on our list or if you have feedback you’d like to share, please email us on communications@being.org.au.