Safe Haven offers mental health support
17 August 2022
Flood impacted community members experiencing mental health distress now have a Safe Haven hub in Murwillumbah offering support to those most vulnerable.
The NSW Government has established 4 new Safe Haven centres across the Northern Rivers with the Murwillumbah hub located at Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street.
It will be open 7 days a week from noon until 6 pm and no appointments or referrals are required.
NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the Safe Haven would provide safe, calm, supportive and non-judgemental spaces for people seeking support.
“There are no appointments or referrals needed, so whether you need some peace and quiet, a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through, or some calming activities to reduce the intensity of your negative thoughts and feelings, you can walk right in,” Ms Taylor said.
“Each Safe Haven is staffed with peer workers with lived experience of suicidal behaviour, which means they are able to empathise and form a unique connection with people when they are at their most vulnerable.”
Ms Taylor said the centres had been specially designed to provide a welcoming environment and offer a wide range of services, including information, referrals and counselling support.
Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Officer Julie Sturgess has welcomed the NSW Government’s support for Northern Rivers communities.
“Each Safe Haven is already operational and community members are dropping by. If you or someone you know needs mental health support and is not sure where to turn, I urge you to visit or recommend one of our Safe Havens,” Ms Sturgess said.
For more information on the Murwillumbah Safe Haven, visit Safe Haven North Coast.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services: