Safe Haven Cafés announced as an alternative to EDs

Western Australia’s first Safe Haven Cafés will open later this year for people with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues who are experiencing a crisis, but are not acutely unwell.

To be located at Royal Perth Hospital and Kununurra District Hospital, the Safe Haven Cafés are set to open mid-2020 as an alternative to emergency department presentation.

Predominantly staffed by peer workers, the Safe Haven Cafés will provide people with a safe place after hours; and the opportunity to learn about their own response to crises and develop self-management skills to help them maintain their wellbeing on an ongoing basis.

They will also be able to refer people to other mental health, alcohol and other drug services in the community.

Co-design workshops were held in both Perth and Kununurra late last month to develop the operational model for the Safe Haven Cafés. They were attended by 110 representatives including consumers, carers and service providers.

Safe Haven Cafés are currently successfully operating in other jurisdictions, including at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne.