The regional safe space saving lives
A cup of tea and a chat might seem like an easy thing to offer a person. But for someone in a mental health crisis, it can be a lifesaver.
For two years, Castlemaine Safe Space founder Rachel Stewart has dedicated her time and resources to providing a place for people in need of varying levels of help with their mental health.
And there’s a very personal reason why Ms Stewart dedicates so much of her time to others in the community, after both her father and brother took their own lives.
The aim of the safe space is simple: to provide room and time for people in varying degrees of need to simply take stock, to spend some time alone in a secure environment, or to speak to a volunteer and share a cup of tea.
It’s a premise Ms Stewart said was designed to support people along the entire spectrum of mental health need, from feeling anxious to being suicidal.
“Or just feeling lonely … it doesn’t have to be super critical, and we’re trying to nip that in the bud,” Ms Stewart said.
She said changes in life circumstances – such as job stress, homelessness, money pressure and the cost of living – could shift the dynamic in a person’s life quickly.
The Castlemaine Safe Space is one of the first safe space locations for regional Australians, with volunteers having personal experience with mental health concerns in varying degrees.
“We’ve all been there, whether it’s bereavement, homelessness, or caring for others, we’ve been there,” Ms Stewart said.
“We don’t judge, and we offer that agency.”
In the two years the facility has been running, there are only two occasions no-one come in.
“We have a regular guest who comes from Port Melbourne. We have people from Bendigo and Castlemaine. People know they’re welcome.”
Like many grassroots mental health services, Castlemaine Safe Space operates using volunteers, and has received some grants and support from a number of organisations, including Roses in the Ocean, FRRR, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Wesley Mission, and Murray Primary Health Network.
For details visit castlemainesafespace.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, call Lifeline on 131 114, or text 0477 131 114
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