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safe haven team image
Published: 02 Dec 2025

On 19 November, the Tweed Heads Safe Haven marked four years of supporting people in emotional distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The celebration featured music, poetry and a powerful speech from a current guest about the difference Safe Haven has made in their life.

A Blue Tree stands at the entrance as a symbol of hope and connection, providing a gathering point for guests and staff. Past and present visitors came together, showing the strong bonds built over the years.

Crystal Riordan, Social Worker and Clinical Lead for the Towards Zero Suicide team at Tweed Heads, said Safe Haven was created as a non-clinical alternative to hospital emergency departments.  

“Safe Haven has become a lifeline for so many people. We have built a space where people feel heard and supported,” Crystal said.

"It offers free walk-in care where individuals can talk with peer workers and mental health clinicians, spend time in a calm environment, and access culturally sensitive support without judgment.

“Over the four years, the service has become a trusted part of the community, improving access to care and delivering meaningful outcomes.  

“Looking forward, we want Safe Haven to become an integral part of NSW Health’s suicide prevention pathway and for the value of the lived experience workforce to continue to advance.”

She said guests describe it as a place where they can feel safe and supported without fear of judgment.

Building trust and integrating a new model of care required persistence and collaboration. Today the service stands as an example of how lived experience and clinical expertise can work together.

Highlights from the past fours years include:

  • Highly Commended Award for Excellence in Mental Health Services 2024 – Tweed Safe Haven
  • NNSWLHD Multidisciplinary Team of the Year 2024 – Tweed SPOT
  • MHAOD Quality Award May 2025 – TZS Peer Worker in ED
  • NSW Health Zero Suicides in Care Training – clinicians and peer workers helped the LHD achieve 85.8% completion in the first quarter
  • Presentations at state and national forums
  • Two successful peer work student placements
  • NSW Health Safe Haven model adopted by PHN for Flood Recovery Safe Havens in 2022.

“The Safe Haven team regularly receives feedback highlighting the transformative impact of lived-experience support and the value of providing a genuine alternative to traditional clinical care,” Crystal said.

Some examples of feedback received from the community includes:

“I like Safe Haven cos it’s a good area to come to, to talk to people, cos everyone understands,” – Guest, 14 years.

“I like going to Safe Haven because they make you feel seen and heard and they understand the stuff you are going through because they have lived experience themselves,” – Guest, 23 years.

“Safe haven for me truly and honestly is a Safe Haven,” – Guest, 68 years.

Safe Haven has expanded to offer support seven days a week and attendance has grown each year by at least 1,000 visits.

Pictured:

Tweed peer team from left: Josh, Hickory, Nina, Kath, Michael, and missing from the photo is Nikki.