A first-of-its-kind drop-in mental health service has opened its doors in Adelaide’s northern suburbs to provide peer-led support to the community in a specially designed non-clinical setting – and in turn, help ease pressure on our emergency departments.
Located in Salisbury, Safe Haven offers a calm and inviting space for people in the local community in need of mental health support.
Members of the community who seek support at Safe Haven will be connected with a peer practitioner who will use their unique skillsets to provide practical support to guests and walk beside them in their recovery journey.
People who need further support will be 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.
Safe Haven is funded by the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) and Adelaide Primary Health Network (Adelaide PHN) and operated by not-for-profit mental health provider Sonder in collaboration with NALHN.
NALHN and Adelaide PHN are each contributing $150,000 over two years to fund the service.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said “This service is a great example of collaboration across the health and not-for-profit sectors to deliver important health services to the local community.
“We know emergency departments aren’t always the most appropriate place for people with mental health concerns to receive care, and Safe Haven presents a safe, inviting setting for those seeking support.”
NALHN CEO Maree Geraghty said “We understand clinical settings may be distressing for some people seeking mental health support, and an alternative non-clinical space will help provide the most appropriate care for those in need.”
Sonder Mental Health Executive Manager and Safe Haven Project Lead Chris Chalubek said “Safe Haven at Salisbury will be a game changer for the local community, offering a great alternative to conventional mental health and hospital services.
“It’s a place where you can find a sense of calm and support if you’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.
“Two Peer Practitioners will be based at the centre. Anyone who comes to Safe Haven will be able to know that they are talking to someone who just gets it – someone who has an understanding of what they are going through and has their own personal recovery journey.”
Adelaide PHN CEO Michelle McKay said “Following a comprehensive and inclusive co-design process with the Northern Adelaide Mental Health Alliance, Adelaide PHN is pleased to be co-commissioning the establishment of Adelaide’s very first Safe Haven in Salisbury with NALHN.
“The Safe Haven is a unique service offering that will be delivered by peer practitioners with lived or living experience of mental health challenges in the after-hours period, broadening the options for people seeking mental health support in and around the Northern Adelaide region.”
The space was collaboratively designed by Northern Adelaide Mental Health Alliance with input from people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Safe Haven is open initially on Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm to 9pm and will expand in 2023, to open Tuesday to Friday (5pm to 9pm) from February.
Where: St John’s Anglican Church, 10 Church Street, Salisbury
For more information on Safe Haven click here.
