Warmth and kindness are at the heart of Griffith's newest mental health hub, which offers residents a safe place to hang out and receive support in times of crisis.
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Safe Haven opened its doors at the end of August and aims to be a more-appealing alternative to the emergency department for Griffith residents experiencing mental health issues.
The hub is currently located at 5 Wiradjuri Place and features a living-room style set up along with clinicians and lived experience peer support workers to provide a helping hand for those in need.
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Griffith resident Georgie Maples is one of these peer support workers and says the hub addresses a big gap in mental health support in the region.
"The Safe Haven is well and truly something people have been asking for and it's something Griffith and surrounding towns have needed for so long," Ms Maples said.
"There has never really been anything besides the emergency department when people are in crisis and for many people that can be a really daunting environment."
Ms Maples described the new hub as warm, inviting and friendly as well as a place where people can come even if they're just looking to chill out on a couch somewhere warm.
"Personally I am so excited ... if something like this had been available 20 years ago to be honest it would have made my life very different," she said.
As well as the friendly faces, the centre also features boardgames, tea, coffee and couches, with Griffith residents being invited to hang out at the hub even if they are just looking for a safe place to chill out and unwind.
Safe Haven is part of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District's Towards Zero Suicides initiative and co-ordinator Richard Parks said he is confident it will improve the experiences of those suffering from mental health problems in the region.
"It's a really warm and inviting place and the people who work here all have their own lived experiences with suicide so they will be able to offer a really unique level of support," Mr Parks said.
"It's about creating as many support networks as possible so absolutely nobody falls through the gaps."
Both Mr Parks and Ms Maples encouraged Griffith residents to come down this weekend to see what the centre was all about.
Residents across the region have been pushing for more mental health services to be introduced in Griffith over the past few years.
This includes a push for a dedicated mental health ward at Griffith Base Hospital to lower the number of residents being transferred to Wagga for mental health treatment.
Safe Haven is located at 5 Wiradjuri Place and is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 9pm.
If you or someone you know needs help contact;
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Griffith Suicide Prevention and Suicide Support Group on 1300 133 911
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