Safe Haven expands support for the community
The early success of a drop-in mental health service in Adelaide’s Northern suburbs has led to an expansion of the service, to provide more opportunities for peer-driven support for people in the community.
Up to four people have visited Safe Haven each day since its doors opened in November 2022, and the service has now doubled the days it is open, to provide an inviting, non-clinical setting for people seeking mental health support four evenings a week, with no booking required.
Safe Haven has also moved to a new location in Salisbury that offers increased accessibility and better facilities for other support services.
The new location provides family-friendly access with the provision of a children’s space, to better support parents and carers who access the service.
Members of the community who seek support at Safe Haven are connected with a Peer Practitioner who uses their unique skillsets to provide practical support to guests and walk beside them in their recovery journey.
People who need further support are connected to additional mental health services to ensure their needs are met and appropriate care pathways are provided, helping to avoid unnecessary emergency department presentations.
Sonder CEO, Sageran Naidoo said he is pleased to announce the expansion of this much-needed service.
“Safe Haven offers community members a unique space where they can find a sense of calm and support if they’re feeling overwhelmed, distressed or lonely. Guests can choose to talk with someone about their mental health challenges, seek social connections, or simply relax with a cup of tea or coffee”, Mr Naidoo said.
Kat Elsby, Peer Practice Lead at Safe Haven is proud of the welcoming and inclusive space that has been created.
“As a peer-driven service, Safe Haven is staffed by people with their own personal experiences of mental health challenges. Anyone who comes to Safe Haven will be able to talk through their challenges with someone who has an understanding of what they are going through – without fear or judgement and in an environment where they feel respected and listened to”, Kat said.
Safe Haven is operated by not-for-profit organisation, Sonder and funded by the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network and Adelaide Primary Health Network (PHN) through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
The service was an initiative of the Northern Adelaide Mental Health Alliance and collaboratively designed by people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Safe Haven is located at 9 John Street Salisbury and open Tuesday to Friday each week, from 5 pm to 9 pm. For more information visit sonder.net.au/safe-haven.