Busselton Community Safe Space set to launch in line with Mental Health Awareness week

The Busselton community is reminded of the importance of reaching out, with a new drop-in style safe space set to launch later this month.

Opening on October 28, the Busselton Community Safe Space will be a drop-in style facility which will offer an alternative to people seeking help and connection during difficult times. It will be manned by trained volunteers with their own lived experience.

Created in partnership with Roses in the Ocean and Accord West, BCSS aims to help people in the community experiencing emotional distress and their carers by offering an alternative after-hours service.

Chair of the BCSS Angela Griffin said the initiative aims to provide the “best possible outcomes” for those who are struggling.

“BCSS is a shining example of what can be achieved when passionate caring people with a lived experience of suicide come together and work towards a shared goal, helping some of our community’s most vulnerable people,” she said.

The space — to be located at 6/89 Duchess St — will open for two nights a week initially, before adjusting opening times and days to suit the needs of those needing its services.

Working closely with existing services in the area, participants will be “linked up” to available services in the hope of providing a welcoming environment that reduces their stress.

One of five pilot programs rolled out across the country, the initiative went through an extensive co-design process and is running entirely from donations and volunteers wanting to help those in need.

The Busselton Community Safe Space will be open every Friday and Saturday night, 5-9pm.