Safe Havens in Hunter New England LHD
Safe Havens offer a welcoming space for anyone feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or in need of support from someone who’s been through similar experiences.
Instead of going to the hospital during a crisis, you can talk to a peer, relax, or connect in a safe environment.
- free
- no referrals or appointment required
- welcoming, safe and inclusive support.
Our team includes peer workers and a mental health clinician, available for chats and safety planning.
Locations
- Newcastle Safe Haven
Address: 22 Stewart Avenue, Hamilton NSW
Hours: 4pm to 9pm, Friday to Sunday
Get directions
- Tamworth Safe Haven
Address: 214 Bridge Street West, Tamworth NSW
Hours: 4pm to 9pm, Friday to Sunday
Get directions
Frequently asked questions
No appointment or booking is needed – just drop in whenever we're open.
Our Safe Haven is staffed by peer workers with lived experience of suicide, along with a mental health clinician. We also have Aboriginal mental health staff on-site to support cultural connection and wellbeing.
The Safe Havens are free to attend.
Support people, carers, and families are welcome at the Safe Haven. If you're concerned about someone, you can bring them along, but remember that attendance is always voluntary, and no one should ever be forced to come.
When you arrive at the Safe Haven, a peer worker will greet you and give you a tour of the space. You'll then be asked to complete an intake form (with support from the peer worker if needed) to share more about yourself and how we can assist you. The form lets you choose from various options, like a menu:
- someone to talk to
- a place to sit and think
- things to distract me
- I want some help finding people or services to help me
- I’m not sure
- other.