17 March 2022
Safe Space is a welcoming community environment that allows people experiencing suicidal ideation and psychological distress to access timely and responsive support. The centre is run by trained mental health specialists, peer workers and support workers, who promote the wellbeing of clients outside of a clinical setting. Safe Space is a walk-in service for anyone aged 16 and over in emotional distress.
Connecting community members to local, non-clinical services can act as an alternative to emergency department presentations. Safe Space is equipped with a sensory room and offers visitors support with safety planning and information for self-referral to other community services.
Case Study
Lorna* is 18 years-old and visited Safe Space experiencing high levels of distress and strong, intrusive thoughts of suicide. She was struggling with self-harm and had a history of suicide attempts due to extensive childhood trauma and scored 100 out of 100 on the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDs).
Lorna spent her time in the Safe Space sensory room and, at first, was very withdrawn and non-communicative. A Safe Space staff member sat with her and gently reminded her that she did not need to speak until she felt comfortable. Slowly, Lorna began to open up about her current struggles, disclosing how her previous trauma was still impacting her life and that she wished the suicidal thoughts would leave her alone. Through conversation and connection, the worker helped her explore these stresses further and validate her feelings and current thoughts.
After four hours at Safe Space, Lorna went from being distressed, visibly upset, and disassociating to being able to talk comfortably. She even shared some personal poetry and things she does to help keep her safe. The worker helped her create a safe plan. Lorna left the centre feeling supported and with lowered distress levels.
During the 72-hour follow up call, Lorna shared that she had kept herself safe since her visit, and was really proud that she had not engaged in self-harm. Since visiting Safe Space, Lorna has continued to send text messages to let the worker know how many days she has been self-harm free and sends photos of all of the things she has done to maintain her wellbeing. Lorna feels secure with her safety plan and is now linked to a good support network.
*Name changed to protect the identity of this client
Read more client stories on the WentWest Stories webpage.
How to refer clients
Safe Space is a walk-in service with no referral needed.
They are open Wednesday to Saturday, 3pm – 9pm, and are located at 24 Panorama Parade, Blacktown.
Safe Space is run by Stride, a mental health charity delivering a range of services designed to support those experiencing mental health concerns. Stride is now the largest provider of Safe Spaces and Headspaces nationally.
You can read more about Safe Space on their flyer or the Stride website.
You can call the Blacktown Safe Space on 0402 511 436 if you would like to find out more about supporting a patient.
