The Safe Harbour crisis support service is providing a purpose-built alternative to the Emergency Department for people experiencing mental distress or suicidal ideation.
Previously known as the Mackay Crisis Support Space, Safe Harbour is a peer-led service that helps people (aged 16 and over) overcome immediate distress in their lives.
People can walk into Safe Harbour without a referral or an appointment. It is located in front of the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department (475 Bridge Road, Mackay). Safe Harbour has been designed to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental place where people can go voluntarily when experiencing an emotional situation or mental health crisis.
“At Safe Harbour, the focus is on providing caring peer worker support and understanding,” Service Manager Gayle Clifford said.
“There is no need for a referral; you can just pop-in and chat to the team if you are struggling or feel like you are experiencing a crisis.”
The service consists of two mental health peer practitioners, and a Queensland Health mental health clinician.
Mind peer workers are skilled health workers with a lived or living experience of mental health challenges. They use their unique lens of lived experience to support people through a crisis and then find a path forward.
Before moving into the new building, Safe Harbour had been operating within the Mackay Base Hospital since 2020. Ms Clifford said the new site is purpose-built for the service, and it already felt like home.
“Hospitals by nature are stressful environments, so it’s great to have our own space specifically for people experiencing mental distress or suicidal ideation. Safe Harbour is a relaxed space with sensory supports where you have the opportunity to engage with mental health peer practitioners or a clinician,” she said.
“We’ve also put our own stamp on the service too - the artistic designs on the building were created in collaboration with Mind peer workers, participants and clinicians. It’s our brand new home.”
Safe Harbour is a partnership between Mind and Mackay Hospital and Health Service. It is open daily between 2 – 9 pm.
For more information about Mind’s range of services, visit the Mind Service finder or phone 1300 286 463.