NOW OPEN
〰️
Tuesdays 5.30pm - 8.30pm
〰️
Wednesdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm
〰️
NOW OPEN 〰️ Tuesdays 5.30pm - 8.30pm 〰️ Wednesdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm 〰️
Community-Led Safe Space
Woodend Neighbourhood House
47 Forest Street, Woodend VIC
Open every Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Our Community-Led Safe Space is a welcoming, non-clinical environment where anyone can come to connect, share, and find support from trained peer supporters with lived experience of suicide.
We support people who may be feeling emotionally overwhelmed, experiencing distress, or having thoughts of suicide, as well as those seeking connection, community, or a quiet space to reflect.
Whether you're looking for a conversation, a non-judgemental listening ear, or simply a place to pause, our doors are open.
There are no referrals or appointments required — you are welcome to drop in at any time during opening hours.
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.
Have your Say…
MRSPAG is gathering feedback about our Community-Led Safe Space to better understand how it can support people in the Macedon Ranges.
This short survey will help us learn:
• How aware people are of the Safe Space
• What might prevent someone from visiting
• How we can make the space more accessible and welcoming
Your feedback will help shape the future of this service.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete.
Please Click Here
What is a Community-Led Safe Space?
Our Safe Space is 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 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
• Share tools and strategies that can help during difficult times
• Encourage community and conversation to reduce stigma around mental health
Anyone looking for a safe and supportive environment is welcome!
Who is this space for?
This includes:
• People experiencing emotional or suicidal distress
• If you are supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts
• 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 challenges
• Individuals who want to learn more about mental well-being and resilience
If you are in need of immediate support please contact LifeLine on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
If life is in danger phone 000
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 during the evenings.
Tuesdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm | Wednesdays 5:30pm to 8:30pm
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.
Peer CARE Companion Warmline. Now providing a 24 hour call-back service
A unique call-back service providing a safe place for people with a lived experience of suicide to connect with others with a similar lived experience for a chat, in a shared space of compassion, understanding and respect.
https://rosesintheocean.com.au/peer-care-companion-warmline/
Thank you to the following supporters for their generous donations of time, funding and equipment that make the Macedon Ranges Safe Space possible:
