Since opening their doors following the 2022 floods the four Safe Haven services in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby and Woodburn have provided over 15,600+ hours of counselling to over 14,400 participants.
Safe Havens were commissioned for three years by Healthy North Coast in 2022 through the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package. Operated by The Buttery Safe Havens offer adults a free, compassionate and friendly ‘drop-in’ service in a non-clinical environment for immediate, personalised mental health support and counselling.
The Hon Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health and North Coast, was at Mullumbimby Safe Haven this week to announce the extension.
‘The extension of these four Safe Haven sites is so crucial. They’ve been embraced by the Northern Rivers community in the wake of the disasters in this region, not just for the expert mental health support they provide, but as a safe and welcoming space when much else in life has been disrupted,’ she said.
‘We are pleased to be able to keep these services running until the end of 2025.’
High use
Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, welcomed the opportunity to continue to support the delivery of Safe Haven services to people who have been adversely impacted by flood events.
‘More than 700 people connected with the Safe Havens during the month of June, which shows us that these services are still needed by the community.,’ she said.
‘We know that floods and droughts are predicted to increase in intensity, duration and frequency, so it is vitally important that the Safe Haven services remain available to community members that continue to experience the stress and impact of the 2022 flood events.’
Open five days a week
The four sites will continue to deliver clinical and non-clinical support to the community Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm.
The Buttery CEO, Leone Crayden, said experienced mental health clinicians will continue to be available at each of the four sites to support anyone who arrives and needs urgent mental health support.
‘t is welcome news that we will be able to continue to keep the doors open at the four Safe Haven sites until 31 December 2025. We know that the counselling and wellbeing support has been very well received. With the colocation agreements we have in place with other providers, the community can also access support for housing and flood recovery and participate in activities such as local BBQs or network meetings. Safe Havens offer a place to connect which is important for wellbeing.’
For more information visit safehavennc.org.au or visit your community’s Safe Haven:
• Lismore | 46 Magellan Street (next to Lismore Regional Gallery)
• Mullumbimby | 15 Tincogan Street. Behind the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre
• Murwillumbah | Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street
• Woodburn | 114 River Street
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