Safe Haven named Lived Experience Service of the Year
Safe Haven has been named Lived Experience Service of the Year, and our very own Jadee-Mae has taken home Peer Worker of the Year — two awards that celebrate the power of lived experience.
We’re celebrating a remarkable achievement for our Safe Haven team, who have been recognised at the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’s Lived Experience Workforce Program Awards.
Safe Haven was awarded Lived Experience Service of the Year, a testament to the dedication and compassion of our Peer Practitioners who create a welcoming space for people experiencing distress or loneliness.
Adding to the celebration, Jadee-Mae, Peer Practitioner and Peer Supervisor at Sonder, was honoured with the Peer Worker of the Year award. This recognition reflects her exceptional leadership, empathy, and advocacy in supporting others through the power of lived experience.
These awards shine a light on the importance of peer support in mental health care. Peer Practitioners draw on their own experiences of recovery to walk alongside others with understanding and authenticity. Their presence helps break down stigma, foster connection, and inspire hope, helping people feel truly seen and heard in challenging times.
At Safe Haven, that ethos is at the heart of the guest experience. The centre provides a free, non-clinical alternative to hospital emergency departments, offering calm, compassionate support from trained Peer Practitioners. Whether someone is experiencing emotional distress, feeling isolated, or just needs to talk, Safe Haven provides a space where it’s okay to not be okay.
Sonder CEO Sageran Naidoo said the recognition highlights the growing value of lived experience across South Australia’s mental health sector.
“This recognition highlights the vital role of lived experience in shaping a more compassionate and human-centric mental health system. When we listen to and learn from lived experience, we build services that are more responsive and empowering. These awards are a reflection not just of the Safe Haven team’s fantastic contributions, but of a sector-wide commitment to transforming care.”
We are incredibly proud of Jadee-Mae and the entire Safe Haven team for their commitment to creating kinder, more connected communities.
We also extend a heartfelt thanks to the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia for acknowledging and uplifting the work of Peer Practitioners across the state. Congratulations to the other winners and nominees who continue to drive progress.
Safe Haven is located at 9 John Street, Salisbury and open from Tuesday – Friday, 5pm – 9pm. Walk-ins are welcome — no appointment, referral, or Medicare Card is needed to access support. Learn more at sonder.net.au/safe-haven.
–
Safe Haven is supported by Adelaide PHN, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Northern Adelaide Mental Health Alliance and Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network