Why Castlemaine Safe Space?

For many people experiencing a suicidal crisis, emergency departments are the most immediately accessed or only form of support. However, busy emergency departments are not ideal locations for people who are in psychological/emotional distress.  CaSS is unique from any other service, as we honour our guest’s autonomy by not calling external services for intervention, without the consent of our guest.

Everyone who attends Safe Space is treated with respect, kindness, and compassion. If appropriate, we try to connect guests with a wide range of other community-based services such as housing, relationship counselling or financial assistance, to help address the causes of their distress. 

History of Safe Spaces

The Safe Haven concept was initially based on the UK mental health charity Mind’s 2011 independent inquiry into acute and crisis mental health services. This research found that people wanted a safe place to go in times of crisis, to be treated in a caring and respectful way, with a reduction in the medical emphasis of usual acute care. The report also acknowledged the benefits of peer support. 

For more about the history of Safe Spaces in Australia see here: https://rosesintheocean.com.au/sector-priorities-collaborations/national-safe-spaces-network/

Safe Spaces and Lived Experience

Advocates for safe spaces recognise that lived experience is a unique form of expertise and that the practical insights of people who have ‘walked the walk’ should guide the design and delivery of these supports. 

Lead organisation for the crucial role of lived experience, Roses in the Ocean, say that once enabled with training and support, those with lived experience can be a part of supporting others. Their experience can help in reducing stigmatising attitudes and contribute to healthy and sustainable communities.

The Design of Castlemaine Safe Space

 Castlemaine Safe Space was co-designed with Roses in the Ocean. Roses in the Ocean have been part of the co-design of many Safe Spaces across Australia. Their Co-design process in Castlemaine involved the input those with lived experience of emotional distress and our Safe Space is built on this.

Our Working Group was then established from interested community members who were tasked with implementing the wants and needs expressed by our community.

The Safe Space and the Importance of Self-determination

One of the main principles of a Safe Space is: 

Promoting autonomy, self-determination and choice and control for guests, in particular for those that have had poor experiences with voluntary and involuntary hospitalisation who would therefore not seek help of any kind in the future with clinical services. 

We honour that suicidal thoughts are valid responses to painful experiences in peoples’ lives. With that pain often comes a lack of choice related to autonomy, resources, housing, relationships and community, healthcare, income, work, exposure to violence and so on. We prioritise consent and self- determination, and recognise and respect the many ways that people live with, sit with, cope with, or move through these experiences.