The NSW Government has bolstered access to free mental health support on the Central Coast with the official opening of a Safe Haven at Gosford Hospital on November 7.
The new facility is staffed by peer workers with lived experience and offers immediate personalised support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress.
The inviting non-clinical environment provides an alternative to presenting to the emergency department and allows people to drop in whenever they need support, without the need for appointments or medical referrals.
The Safe Haven is located on the corner of Ambulance Rd and Holden St, Gosford and can be accessed from 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday or by calling 4394 1597.
The Mental Health Line is also available 24/7 on 1800 011 511 to connect people to other mental health services.
In an emergency, people should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
The NSW Government has invested in the Safe Haven initiative and Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams, as part of a $143.4M investment over four years in Towards Zero Suicides.
There are currently 19 Safe Havens open across NSW, with another Safe Haven expected to launch at Wyong later this year.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the Central Coast had had a tough few years facing fires, floods and a global pandemic all of which had taken a mental toll.
“The Gosford Safe Haven couldn’t have arrived at a better time,” she said.
“It is important that Safe Haven is located at Gosford Hospital, near the town centre and close to both train and bus transport to allow access from all parts of the Coast.
“I know that this facility is going to be life changing for our community and I encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health to drop in and have a chat with the wonderful peer workers that have faced similar challenges.”
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said Safe Haven was not just a name.
“These facilities are truly safe spaces where people struggling with their mental health can find solace and support,” she said.
“As Minister for Mental Health I am committed to increasing support in regional NSW including the Central Coast and this centre delivers exactly that, playing a crucial role in our aim to reduce the suicide rate across NSW.”
NSW Government