Safe Space
Safe Space
Communify’s Safe Space is an innovative service that provides a holistic, supportive alternative to emergency departments for people experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Our Safe Space operates on an after-hours basis to offer friendly and welcoming support in a safe environment.
Who we help
Safe Space supports those who are experiencing some level of distress. Everyone is welcome to the Safe Space.
We are open to all ages. If you are 15 or over, you can access the space and sign your consent form on your own. If you are under 15, we ask that you bring an adult along with you so that they can provide their name and contact details and provide consent on the paperwork. We support people across a range of ages, from young people to older adults. We are also happy for families to attend together.
How we help
Support is provided by a team of peer workers who ensure that guests leave with reduced levels of distress and a sense of hope and positivity. Peer workers will greet guests and any carer or support persons, inquire about what their needs are, offer refreshments, a place to sit, and a range of supports and spaces available.
What to expect at the Safe Space:
- a friendly welcome and sympathetic ear from our peer workers
- support to reduce your level of distress
- assistance with safety planning
- getting connected with other services and supports that are tailored to your needs
- follow-up contact to ensure your safety.
While our staff are trained to support you in a range of ways, we are not an ongoing counselling service. If you feel like you may need additional, ongoing support from a counsellor or psychologist, our staff can support you to find appropriate services.
If you have been working with our staff to manage your distress but still feel like you are unsafe, we can also support you to go to hospital. We will not call an ambulance without discussing it with you first, and we will explore all your options for safety before we consider hospital. If you have harmed yourself or are unwell, we may ask an ambulance to attend to make sure you receive appropriate medical attention.
We are also unable to provide food and emergency relief packages at Safe Space, however, we can link you to relevant services, and we offer drinks and snacks for guests in the space.
The Brisbane North Safe Space Network is a community-based movement established by Brisbane North PHN to promote safety and wellbeing across the Brisbane North region. The network will connect community spaces and places to provide support away from hospital emergency departments to people who are experiencing significant levels of distress.
How to contact us
Safe Space operates from 5pm – 9pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to attend the space, please call or text the team on 0420 698 783 during opening hours to advise them before you arrive. You can also email safespace@communify.org.au.
Safe Space is a walk-in service; no referral is needed. Guests can present to the service when they are feeling distressed during opening hours, or by referral from a hospital, their GP, ambulance services or the police. It’s best for guests to call before they arrive, as there is a limit on the number of guests who can be in the space at one time.
Safe Space is open seven days a week; however, on rare occasions, unforeseen circumstances may require us to close the space for the duration of a shift. In this event, staff will attempt to send an SMS to guests to inform them of the closure. Guests will also be provided with a list of alternative services.
Where to find us
Safe Space is located at 180 Jubilee Tce, Bardon. We are close to public transport and have ample street parking. If you are unable to access transport to Safe Space, give us a call and we can assist you with transport options.
