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.

We understand that visiting somewhere new can feel a little daunting, so here's what to expect when you arrive.

Finding us

Look for our Safe Space flag outside the building; this means we're open and ready to welcome you!

Come straight through the door, even if it's closed. Sometimes we keep it closed because of the weather, but you're always welcome during our opening hours.

When you arrive

One of our friendly Peer Support Volunteers will introduce themselves and help you feel comfortable.

We may ask what has brought you in today, but there's absolutely no pressure to share your story or go into details unless you want to.

You're welcome to have a conversation, enjoy a cuppa, explore our activities or simply sit quietly. You can stay for as long as you feel comfortable during opening hours and leave whenever you choose.

Your privacy matters

Our Safe Space is a confidential and respectful environment, with limited exceptions where disclosure may be necessary for safety or legal reasons.

We'll ask your first name as a courtesy and may ask a few general questions, such as where you've travelled from.

We also collect basic, non-identifying information to help with funding and service evaluation, such as age range, gender and whether safety planning was discussed.

Providing this information is completely optional, and you're welcome to decline.

Our Approach to Safety and Calling 000

Your safety, dignity and right to make your own choices are important to us.

Our Safe Spaces provide non-clinical, lived-experience peer support. We understand that talking about suicide does not automatically mean someone needs emergency intervention.

Our volunteers will listen without judgement, work alongside you and support you to explore what may help you feel safer.

In line with Roses in the Ocean's approach, emergency services will only be contacted in specific circumstances:

• You ask us to contact emergency services.

• You are leaving the Safe Space and have communicated an immediate intention to act on a suicide plan.

• An incident requires immediate medical or other emergency assistance.

• There is an immediate threat to someone's life or safety, or to the safety of the premises.

Wherever possible, we will work collaboratively with you and respect your choices.

Our aim is to provide a space where you feel safe to talk openly about your experiences without fear of unnecessary emergency intervention.

You can read more about Roses in the Ocean's 000 position.

We're here to listen, without judgement or expectations.

Anyone looking for a safe and supportive environment is welcome!

• 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

Our volunteers are guided by seven core values that help us create a welcoming, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.

These values shape how we listen, connect and support people who visit our Safe Spaces.

Connection – Creating meaningful human connections so that no one feels they have to face difficult times alone.

Compassion – Responding to others with kindness, care and understanding, recognising that everyone's experiences are different.

Empathy – Seeking to understand another person's feelings and experiences without making assumptions.

Authenticity – Being genuine, honest and present, allowing trust and meaningful connections to develop naturally.

Open Listening – Giving people our full attention, allowing them to share at their own pace without interruption or pressure.

Non-judgemental – Welcoming everyone without criticism, assumptions or expectations, respecting their individual experiences and choices.

Respect – Honouring each person's dignity, individuality, boundaries and right to make their own decisions.

Our Commitment

Our volunteers bring these values into every interaction, drawing on their own lived experiences to offer understanding, hope and connection.

We believe the most meaningful support sometimes begins with simply being present, listening, and reminding someone they are not alone.

A place to talk. A place to be heard. A place to connect.

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 judgement, 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.