Sonder selected as lead provider for Crisis Stabilisation Centre in Adelaide’s north
Sonder has been selected by SA Health as the lead service provider to operate the Crisis Stabilisation Centre, a new 16-bed mental health service being delivered as part of the Lyell McEwin Hospital Precinct.
The Crisis Stabilisation Centre will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a safe, therapeutic alternative to Emergency Departments for people experiencing acute mental health distress, supporting timely access to appropriate care closer to home. Located in a new purpose-built building adjacent to the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Elizabeth Vale, the centre will play a critical role in strengthening the mental health system in Adelaide’s north.
“Sonder is proud to be selected to deliver the Crisis Stabilisation Centre. We bring deep experience in delivering accessible, person-centred mental health services, particularly for communities in Adelaide’s north,” said Sonder Chief Executive Officer, Sageran Naidoo.
“This new centre will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of peer practitioners, mental health clinicians, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workers, multicultural workers, and medical staff – working together to provide timely, compassionate care for people experiencing acute mental health distress. The Crisis Stabilisation Centre will play a critical role in strengthening the local mental health system – offering a safe, therapeutic alternative to emergency departments and ensuring people can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time.”
The Crisis Stabilisation Centre has been co-designed with people who have lived experience of mental health crisis and distress, ensuring the service reflects what people need during times of distress. The space will be home-like and non-clinical, supporting comfort, dignity and recovery.
With strong experience delivering accessible, community-based mental health services across South Australia, and a deep and longstanding presence in Adelaide’s north, Sonder will deliver care that is trauma-informed, culturally safe and recovery-focused.
Co-located, integrated care
The Crisis Stabilisation Centre will be co-located with the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, which is also delivered by Sonder and funded by Adelaide PHN, the Australian Government and the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. This integrated model will enable a more connected mental health response, supporting people to move seamlessly between crisis care and ongoing support.
In the coming months, the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre will relocate from its current site on Gillingham Road, Elizabeth, to the new facility on Oldham Road. The Medicare Mental Health Centre will operate on the ground floor, with the Crisis Stabilisation Centre on the upper floor.
More information about this relocation will be shared closer to the move. Importantly, service continuity will be maintained throughout the transition, ensuring people can continue to access care without disruption.
Looking ahead
Sonder is proud to be delivering both services in close partnership with SA Health, the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, and the broader health system. Together, these services will strengthen access to crisis and mental health support across South Australia, while playing a key role in supporting individuals and families in Adelaide’s north.
Further updates about the Crisis Stabilisation Centre and the relocation of the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre will be shared as planning progresses.
For more information
To learn more about the Crisis Stabilisation Centre or the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, contact our friendly team on (08) 8209 0700 or email info@sonder.net.au.
Need help now?
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, you can visit one of our walk-in mental health services as an alternative to the Emergency Department - Safe Haven in Salisbury, or Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre in Elizabeth.
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000) or Mental Health Triage on 13 14 65 (available 24/7 across South Australia).
If you need support, a range of online support services are available. Additionally, you can:
- Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- Call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
- Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.