Offering an alternative to the emergency room, Safe Haven at Kogarah, which celebrates its fifth year in 2026, is a walk-in centre that helps people in suicidal distress, assisted by support workers. Picture supplied

The first Safe Haven in NSW is celebrating five years of providing vital, compassionate support to more than 700 people experiencing suicidal distress in South Eastern Sydney.

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Since opening its doors in 2021, Safe Haven Kogarah has delivered more than 8500 episodes of care, offering a free, welcoming, non-clinical alternative for individuals struggling with emotional distress or thoughts of suicide.

Unlike traditional emergency settings, Safe Haven provides a calm, supportive space where individuals can walk in and receive immediate help, connection, and recovery with no appointment needed.

A defining feature of Safe Haven Kogarah is its peer worker-led model of care. Peer workers are trained mental health professionals who draw on their own lived experiences with life-changing mental health challenges, suicidal distress, and recovery, or their experiences as carers supporting loved ones. These professionals provide immediate support, practical strategies, and pathways to ongoing care, ensuring a compassionate, person-centered environment during some of the most difficult moments of a person's life.

Katie Thorburn, manager of Safe Haven Kogarah, said the service plays a critical role in suicide prevention and mental health care across the community, functioning as a collaborative network with emergency services, hospitals, and community partners.

"Peer workers meet people where they are, offering compassion, understanding and practical help when it's needed most," she said. "For many, it has made the difference between feeling alone and feeling supported."

The model has proven to be life-changing for many of its visitors. Libby, not her real name, a former guest of Safe Haven Kogarah, said the centre played a vital role in helping her manage distress over the years. "After a suicide attempt nine years ago, I knew I needed to find safer, more sustainable ways to manage my distress," she said. "Safe Haven has been a vital part of that journey - offering a place where I can be heard, supported, and not face those moments alone."

The success of the Kogarah location reflects a broader statewide initiative, with the NSW Government investing more than $57 million to establish and deliver 24 Safe Havens across the state. These facilities offer a crucial alternative to accessing mental health services through traditional hospital emergency departments.

Reaching this five-year milestone highlights the growing need for accessible, stigma-free mental health support and reinforces the value of investing in services that prioritise early intervention, connection, and recovery.

"This milestone is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people who have sought support, as well as the commitment of the entire dedicated team who provide care six nights a week," Ms Thorburn said.

Safe Haven Kogarah is operated by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and remains open to the public six evenings a week. For more information, including specific opening hours, community members can visit the website.

To mark the fifth anniversary of Safe Haven at Kogarah, a small event was held at the facility where a collaborative artwork was created to commemorate the occasion. Picture supplied

If this story has raised issues for you, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, beyondblue on 1300 224 636, 1800-RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or 13 YARN on 139276.