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Brisbane North Safe Space Network

Be part of a compassionate village making a real difference for people needing emotional support.

The Brisbane North Safe Space Network (BNSSN) is creating greater options for community connection at a grassroots level through friendly chats and acts of kindness as simple as a cup of tea.

The BNSSN offers services across Safe Spaces at four peer led hubs and Safe Places at local businesses and community centres such as libraries, cafes, hairdresser outlets and more.

Sign up to be part of this ground zero network of Safe Places that aims to break down barriers to social isolation by creating a sense of belonging in the community.

Get in touch

Not in Brisbane North or Moreton Bay regions? We welcome anyone in Australia to reach out. We will be in touch if the program is extended to other areas.

We need you!

We’re looking for people and organisations who want to be a trusted confidante for those seeking help by becoming a Safe Place or Ambassador for our four Safe Space hubs. No previous experience is necessary, just an open mind and heart! 

Not in Brisbane North or Moreton Bay regions? We welcome anyone in Australia to reach out. We will be in touch if the program is extended to other areas.

Become a Safe Place or Ambassador

What is the Safe Space Network?

The Brisbane North Safe Space Network (BNSSN) is a community-based movement that provides alternative options for people experiencing emotional distress and vulnerability, away from hospital emergency departments.

Our goal is to create a heart-based community that:

  • Supports people experiencing distress through additional options for support
  • Facilitates Safe Places in community outside of traditional support settings
  • Shares knowledge, resources and information
  • Builds community capacity in joining and responding with compassion
  • Joins and strengthens community connections, bridging gaps to care
  • Promotes and enhances the value of lived experience perspectives

Connection and a sense of belonging are critical for all and to know that support is available. By offering Safe Places in community, we’re showing that hope, support and compassion exists at the local community level.

The aim of the Safe Space Network is to embed non-clinical person-centred support within the community at a grassroots level through friendly chats and acts of kindness as simple as a cup of tea.

A growing network of Safe Places

Wesley Mission Queensland is working to increase the number of Safe Places across Brisbane North and Moreton Bay regions. By signing up you’re joining the community movement and being part of a ground zero network that aims to break down barriers to social isolation through the power of connection.

We provide capacity building, collaboration and connection to a network of like-minded community partners and resources to help you support people who feel vulnerable or at risk of distress.

Let’s talk about how you can be part of this compassionate village contact us to become a Safe Place or Ambassador!

Become a Safe Place or Ambassador

Become a Safe Place or Ambassador

No experience is necessary, just an open mind and heart!

Get in touch today

Peer led support at a Safe Space - Image shows two people holding hands

What is a  Safe Space?

A Safe Space is a peer-led inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for people experiencing emotional distress and vulnerability, including carers or support persons.

Our Safe Space locations are open from 5pm –9pm on weekdays and participate in a coordinated calendar of opening hours over the weekends. Please contact your local Safe Space for more details.

We want you to leave a Safe Space with a sense of hope and positivity, feeling you have been heard and supported.

Find a Safe Space Hub
Download

Safe Space Brochure

.PDF (0.2 MB)

What happens in a Safe Space?

In a Safe Space, guests and any carer or support persons are greeted by a friendly peer worker (someone who understands from their own lived experience of emotional distress). They will help them settle in, offer refreshments, listen and chat about available supports.

They can offer support with:

  • problem solving
  • safety planning
  • connecting with other services that may be able to help
  • guided sensory and calming activities to help self-manage emotionality
  • accessing phone and online supports
  • referrals
  • transport when it is time to leave
  • If they choose to, a follow up call 24 and 72 hours after their visit

Find a Safe Space Hub in your local area

There are four locations ready for you in Bardon, Strathpine, Caboolture and Redcliffe, with more to come.
View locations

If you want to help others

We’re looking for people and organisations who want to join a regional community network of Safe Places and become a trusted confidante for those seeking help.

No previous experience or medical knowledge is necessary, just an open mind and heart!

Not ready to be a safe place or have an idea for a safe place?

You can become an ambassador and promote our four Safe Spaces at your physical location, website, event or social media channel. We will provide artworks and guidance. Get in touch with the Safe Space Network Coordinator by completing the form below. 

To request a Safe Place near you, please send us a message.

Not in North Brisbane or Moreton Bay regions?

The Safe Space Network is a pilot initiative that is been implemented in North Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions, in QLD. We welcome anyone in Australia to reach out. We will be in touch if the program is extended to other areas.

Become a Safe Place or Ambassador

No experience is necessary, just an open mind and heart!

Get in touch today

Peer led support at a Safe Space - Image shows two people holding hands

This is not a crisis service

If you or a loved one are in crisis, please call:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Mental health services & resources

All of our services are driven by an inclusive, recovery-oriented framework that recognises the importance of family, friends and community in helping people live rich and meaningful lives. Let us help you find the right service to meet your needs. 

Suicide prevention initiatives

Wesley Mission Queensland provides evidence-based suicide prevention initiatives, working with and empowering individuals as well as local communities. We provide support either on the phone, face to face or online.
Learn more

Resources

My Mental Health is an online guide to mental health services in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region. Visit their website for resources designed to support anyone in the community as well as professionals working in the sector.
Visit My Mental Health website
My Mental Health is an online guide to mental health services in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region
All mental health services

Become a Safe Place or Ambassador

Thank you for showing interest in becoming a Safe Place community partner - as compassionate communities we’re stronger together. For further information and to join this initiative, please complete the form below. Our Network Coordinator will be in touch. 

For our current Safe Space locations, visit My Mental Health website.

Thank you for showing interest in becoming a Safe Place community partner! Our Network Coordinator will be in touch. Loading animation

At Wesley Mission Queensland, we’re committed to the privacy of your personal information. Information provided will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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Can’t find a Safe Place near you?

Send us a message requesting a Safe Place in your local area. The Safe Space Network is a pilot initiative, and we are working to expand Safe Places to local libraries, cafes, hairdresser and more.

Make sure you check all our other mental health and suicide prevention services and initiatives.

Thank you for your support! The Safe Space Network is a pilot initiative, and we are working to expand our reach. We will be in touch if the program is extended to other areas. Make sure you check all our other mental health and suicide prevention services and initiatives. Loading animation