Finalist: Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
Safe Haven is a statewide suicide-prevention service co-designed with people who have lived experience, providing a peer-led, trauma-informed alternative to emergency department (ED) presentations. The service supports individuals in suicidal crisis through compassionate care, collaborative safety planning, service navigation, and coordinated follow-up. Beyond its core operations, the team drives a range of community-focused “passion projects” designed to meet emerging needs, build capacity, and foster partnerships that strengthen collective suicide-prevention efforts.
In 2025, the Safe Haven service in Western Sydney Local Health District achieved its highest engagement to date recording more than 90 presentations in just 3 months. More than 95% of consumers reported feeling heard and supported, and less than 7% required escalation to emergency services. These outcomes highlight the service’s effectiveness in providing an alternative to ED presentations and improving consumer satisfaction.
Collaboration with over 100 school psychologists has enhanced suicide-prevention and service literacy, informing consumer-led reforms such as extending service hours. Partnerships with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and multiple Community Managed Organisations have further enabled the co-development of effective suicide-care pathways and strengthened workforce training.
Meet the other finalists for the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award.
