The Minns Labor Government officially opened a new Safe Haven at Wyong, providing additional free support for people who are experiencing mental health distress in the Central Coast.
The Wyong Safe Haven will offer immediate support for people seeking support for suicidal thoughts or distress, offering a safe and welcoming alternative to emergency departments.
The new service is the second Safe Haven available in the region and will provide support closer to home for people living in the northern part of the Central Coast.
The service will have a strong focus on providing culturally safe care delivered by Aboriginal suicide prevention peer workers, to support the region's Aboriginal community.
There is no need for an appointment or a medical referral to attend Wyong Safe Haven - everyone is free to drop in. Carers can also access the service for support in helping their loved ones.
Wyong Safe Haven features a peaceful outdoor area and yarning circle, along with a calming space featuring local Aboriginal artwork, creating a sense of connection and belonging for local Aboriginal residents visiting the haven.
People attending will be greeted by a peer worker and can use the space in a way that is most helpful to them at the time. This might be having a cuppa and a yarn or having a quiet moment in the outdoor space.
Wyong Safe Haven is located on the grounds of Wyong Hospital, near Wyong Mental Health Centre.
The Safe Haven is currently open from 9 am to 3:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with hours to increase in the coming months. The service is expected to be open five days per week by mid-year.
The Mental Health Line is also available 24/7 on 1800 011 511 to connect people to other mental health services. In an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Wyong Safe Haven is part of the NSW Government's Towards Zero Suicides initiative.
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:
"We are committed to increasing suicide prevention supports for regional communities, including those in the Central Coast, as part of our aim to reduce the suicide rate across NSW.
"This will be the 22nd Safe Haven located on or near hospital grounds across NSW, providing a refuge for anyone struggling with mental health challenges to come and seek help in a quiet, welcoming and non-judgemental space.
"Central Coast residents who are feeling distressed are encouraged to access help at Wyong or Gosford Safe Havens, where they will be able to talk to peer workers who have a lived experience with suicide and recovery."
Minister for the Central Coast and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"In the last year there have been 1,600 presentations to the Safe Haven at Gosford Hospital. This reinforces how important these services are.
"It is great to see the Safe Haven service now available and more easily accessible for everyone living in the northern parts of the Central Coast.
"With Aboriginal identified peer workers among the staff it will help us close the gap by supporting a cultural social-emotional and wellbeing perspective approach to a suicide crisis."
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
