NOW OPEN
〰️
Wednesdays (Weekly) 5.30pm - 8.30pm
Saturdays (fortnightly) from 1pm - 4pm
〰️
NOW OPEN 〰️ Wednesdays (Weekly) 5.30pm - 8.30pm Saturdays (fortnightly) from 1pm - 4pm 〰️
Community-Led Safe Space
Woodend Neighbourhood House
47 Forest Street, Woodend VIC
Open Wednesdays (weekly) 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Saturdays (fortnightly) from 1pm to 4pm
Our Community-Led Safe Space is a welcoming place where anyone can come to connect, share, and find support from trained peer supporters with lived experience. It’s a calm and understanding environment for those who may be feeling overwhelmed, looking for a sense of community, or simply needing a quiet space to reflect.
Whether you're seeking a conversation, a listening ear, or just a space to pause, our doors are open. There are no referrals or appointments needed—just drop in.
No referrals or appointments are required.
For all enquiries, kindly contact us at safespace@mrspag.com.au
We are also welcoming new volunteers. If you’d like to support others as a Peer Supporter, apply here.
What is a Community-Led Safe Space?
Our Safe Space is not a crisis service but a place where people can find connection, understanding, and support from others who have walked similar paths. It is based on a peer-led model, meaning that the people here to support you have personal experience navigating mental health challenges, grief, or emotional struggles.
This space exists to:
Offer compassionate and non-judgmental peer support
Provide a quiet and safe environment to sit, reflect, or talk
Connect people with tools and strategies that can help in a difficult time
Encourage community and conversation to break down stigma around mental health
If someone is experiencing emotional distress, they are absolutely welcome, and we have tools available to support them. However, we also encourage people to come in when they simply need connection, a break, or a moment of support—it doesn’t have to be a time of crisis.
Anyone looking for a safe and supportive environment is welcome!
Who is this space for?
This includes:
Those feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or in need of a quiet space
People looking for peer connection and supportive conversations
Anyone navigating grief, loss, or personal challenges
Carers and loved ones supporting someone through mental health struggles
Individuals who want to learn more about mental well-being and resilience
What Can You Expect?
A warm and welcoming environment – The space is set up to feel calm and homely, with comfortable seating and quiet areas for reflection.
Peer Support – Our trained Peer Supporters are here to listen, offer understanding, and share their own experiences if helpful.
Resources & Tools – Information on mental well-being, coping strategies, and local support networks are available to take home.
A place to pause – You don’t need to talk if you don’t want to. Some people visit just to sit quietly, enjoy a cuppa, or read.
No referrals, no paperwork, no pressure – Simply come as you are.
Volunteer as a Peer Supporter
Our Safe Space relies on dedicated Peer Supporters—volunteers who have personal lived experience with suicide, either through their own struggles, supporting a loved one, or experiencing loss.
Volunteers are at the heart of this initiative, providing compassionate and empathetic support to guests.
What is involved? As a Peer Supporter, you will:
Provide emotional and empathetic support to individuals in distress.
Listen without judgment, offer your lived experience, and help guide guests through their current challenges.
Be a part of a supportive volunteer team dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health support.
Training and Support:
Comprehensive training is provided, including self-paced learning and workshops facilitated by Roses in the Ocean, the national leaders in suicide prevention peer support.
Ongoing debriefing, mentorship, and support will be available to ensure Peer Supporters feel confident and supported in their role.
If you have lived experience and want to make a difference, we encourage you to express your interest in volunteering. Apply here.
When and Where?
The Community-Led Safe Space is located at the Woodend Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest Street, Woodend, VIC. Our operating hours are designed to accommodate the times when individuals may need support the most, including evenings and weekends.
From 27th Nov: Open Wednesdays (weekly) 5:30pm to 8:30pm
From 30th Nov: Open Saturdays (fortnightly) from 1pm to 4pm
To be the first to learn about the announcement of location and operating hours, sign up for our mailing list and follow our Instagram or Facebook pages.
Why Community-Led?
The Community-Led Safe Space model empowers local communities to take ownership of mental health and suicide prevention. By drawing on the knowledge, experiences, and compassion of those within the community, we create a space that genuinely meets local needs.
This peer-driven model also offers flexibility for volunteers who want to contribute meaningfully while balancing other commitments.
