Safe Haven

Julia Alcorn 5 months ago

John Fleming a year ago

stephen dobson a year ago

important service for non pathologising approach to neuro diversity and mental health. great to see peer work being used as a modality. hats off to kate and the whole team

Christopher Tucker a year ago

Over the past six months, Safe Haven Newtown has been instrumental in stabilising my mental health and providing a safe space to manage my anxiety and emotional well-being. The ability to drop in whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated has been invaluable. The supportive environment there, with its camaraderie among peers and the compassionate guidance of the peer support workers, has created a sense of community that truly understands the struggles of mental health. I’ve had several occasions where the calm and grounded atmosphere at Safe Haven prevented the need for hospitalization. Whether I was experiencing high anxiety or on the verge of a panic attack, the staff and fellow peers were always there to help me decompress and regain emotional balance. Their support has significantly mitigated potential emergency department visits, which, as we know, can be sterile and not always conducive to genuine mental health recovery. The peer support workers are exceptional. Their lived experience and empathy make a huge difference. They not only offer practical advice but also share strategies that I have found helpful, such as grounding techniques and creative activities

Jane 2 years ago

So sad this amazing service in Kogarah is not available for teenagers in Newtown Peer support workers so important in the journey to zero suicide so thank you all for your truly amazing work - young people are forced to travel far and wide to find you The reality is that while psychiatrists are shamefully charging $600 to $ 800 for first consult and often cherry picking cases (no adhd, no patients with previous hospital admissions or else patient is too old or too young - this free service is far more practical, helpful and useful.

Adriana McT 3 years ago

I would always go up and always feel welcome there and they would always take the time to help me with what ever I needed

Mark Butler Edited a month ago

Very sad to only have this important community resource only open on 4 weekdays. Our community needs this site open at night and on weekends. It would be better to do 2 weekend evenings than these 4 weekdays. Other services are already open weekdays. I wrote to Newtown MP Jenny Leong and she very kindly asked Labor about this in question time but the Minister obfuscated and promised no further resources.

Kyle Finlay 3 years ago

It gets rough living in Sydney, especially living with family that aren't the best listeners. I had bad experiences with social media and real life today, that culminated in explosive anger due to my loneliness. I thought, what's the worst that can happen? So I went to this Safe Haven in Newtown, that OpenSupport linked me to. Holly was amazing. They asked if I wanted a one-on-one chat or a talk with a group. I opted for the one-on-one, made some green tea and within half an hour or so my anger had been talked out. I left satisfied, with a big smile on my face. If you're experiencing any kind of depression, loneliness, (or rage towards Sydney's less than friendly demeanour,) I'd strongly recommend gathering your courage and trying the Safe Haven in Newtown. Holly will help you.