HNELHD Safe Havens
What is a Safe Haven?
A safe space you can visit when you are feeling overwhelmed, unsure or wanting to connect with someone who’s walked a similar path.
An alternative to hospital in a time of crisis
Talk to a peer {‘peer’ to link to “Meet our team & an explanation of peer work} who has walked a similar path, chat or chill out in a safe place.
- Free
- No referrals or appointment required
- Welcoming, safe and inclusive support
Along with our team of Peer Workers there is also a Mental Health Clinician available for a chat and to assist with safety planning.
Located in Newcastle {Link to Newcastle content at bottom of page} and Tamworth {Link to Tamworth content at bottom of page}.
Hours: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4pm – 9pm.
Emergency contacts:
- For immediate assistance in an emergency contact 000
- 24/7 crisis support Lifeline 131114
- Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Newcastle Safe Haven
How to access this service
HNELHD-NewcastleSafeHavenHub@health.nsw.gov.au
Street address
22 Stewart Avenue, Hamilton NSW
Corner of Stewart Ave and Parry Street, right before the lights. Driveway on the left hand side of the building with free parking at the back. Look for the big blue sign.
Hours of operation
| Friday | 4:00pm-9:00pm |
| Saturday | 4:00pm-9:00pm |
| Sunday | 4:00pm-9:00pm |
Tamworth Safe Haven
How to access this service
HNELHD-TamworthSafeHavenHub@health.nsw.gov.au
Street address
214 Bridge St West, Tamworth NSW
On the corner of Bridge St and Hercules St up from Tamworth Shopping World. Parking available on Hercules St. Look for the blue artwork on the front windows.
Hours of operation
| Friday | 4:00pm-9:00pm |
| Saturday | 4:00pm-9:00pm |
| Sunday | 4:00pm-9:00pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment or to book in?
No appointment or booking in required, drop in at any time when we are open
Who can I see at the Safe Haven?
Our Safe Haven is staffed by Peer Workers who have their own lived experience of suicide and a Mental Health Clinician. We also have Aboriginal Mental Health Staff onsite to support cultural connection and wellbeing.
Does it cost anything to attend the Safe Haven?
The Safe Havens are free to attend.
Can I bring a support person or someone I am worried about to the Safe Haven?
Support people, carers and families are welcome to attend the Safe Haven. If you are worried about someone you may also bring them to the Safe Haven however attendance is always voluntary so no one should ever be forced to attend
What happens when I arrive at the Safe Haven?
When you first arrive at the Safe Haven you will be greeted by a Peer Worker and provided a tour of the space. You will then be asked to complete an intake form (with support from the Peer Worker if you wish) to tell us a bit more about yourself and how we can help. In this form you can choose any or all of the following options-like a menu!
- Someone to talk to
- A place to sit and think
- Things to distract me
- I want some help finding people or services to help me
- I’m not sure
- Other