Five years of Safe Spaces: peer-led support when people need it most

For many people experiencing emotional distress, an emergency department is not always the right place to seek support. In those moments, what can make the greatest difference is a calm, welcoming environment where people feel safe, heard and supported by someone who understands.

Five years ago, Brisbane North PHN established its Safe Space Network to provide a peer-led alternative for people needing connection, de-escalation and practical support outside of a clinical setting.

Five years on, continued demand shows these spaces remain an important part of the local health network, supporting people across the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region when they may not have somewhere else to turn.

The Safe Space Network forms part of the broader range of mental health and community services commissioned by Brisbane North PHN across the stepped care continuum, helping ensure people can access the right support at the right time.

With a ‘no wrong door’ approach, the network operates from four locations across our region:

• Bardon Safe Space, located at 180 Jubilee Terrace, Bardon
• Caboolture Safe Space, located at 24 George Street, Caboolture
• Redcliffe Safe Space, located at 440 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe
• Strathpine Safe Space, located at 6/327 Gympie Road, Strathpine

Good health for all: a vital part of the system

Safe Spaces are a compassionate alternative to the emergency department and offer extended hours outside Medicare Mental Health Centres. They provide peer-based support to acute distress, as well as an accessible pathway for support before crisis. They fill an essential gap in the existing service network through providing after hours, non-clinical, ‘no wrong door’ peer support in the community.

Evaluation of the network demonstrates that the model is having a positive impact on people's experience and reducing distress while delivering strong value for the broader health system.

Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan said the PHN is proud of the success of the Safe Space Network.

‘The last five years have proven the model to be valuable, scalable and most importantly, a place for our community when they are at their most vulnerable,' she said.

'Safe Spaces play an important role in supporting care closer to home and reducing pressure on the hospital system.'

The network operates under a joint funding agreement between the Commonwealth and State governments. Safe Spaces have demonstrated the following significant system value.

• The network has led to the avoidance of more than 1,600 presentations to Queensland metro emergency departments.
• Estimated savings of over $16.3 million in hospital and emergency department-related costs.

What can guests expect when visiting a Safe Space?

When a guest, carer or support person comes to a Safe Space, they are welcomed by peer workers with lived experience who create a safe, respectful and non-judgemental environment.

Guests are invited to share what is happening for them, in their own way, and at their own pace. Peer workers listen, connect and work alongside each person to understand what support might be helpful - whether it is having a safe place to be, a cup of tea and a conversation, or exploring options for support.

Safe Spaces are not an ongoing counselling service. Instead, they offer flexible, peer-led support recognising people as experts in their own experience.

Safe Space guests can access:

• social and emotional support
• assistance with safety planning
• connection with other services and supports, including counsellors and psychologists for ongoing support
• follow-up contact, where appropriate.

Together, these supports help guests reduce their distress and leave with a greater sense of hope, safety and connection.

Looking forward – what’s next for the Safe Space Network?

Five years of experience and evaluation have demonstrated that Safe Spaces are not simply an innovative program – they are an important part of the broader health continuum.

The evidence demonstrates that Safe Spaces are both needed and provide value.

Brisbane North PHN is dedicated to working collaboratively with our partners to ensure there is a sustainable funding arrangement to ensure the Safe Space Network remains accessible to the community.

Moving forward, the PHN will continue exploring how Safe Spaces can be better connected to Medicare Mental Health Centres, emergency departments, community supports and the Queensland Government’s crisis services as a well-known care pathway.

The Safe Space Network is accessible out of hours, and times when general practice can be difficult to access like weekends. Consider Safe Spaces as a peer-led option for support when it is needed most.