Safe Spaces for Mental Health Crisis: A Game-Changing Alternative to Hospitals
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for community-based safe spaces to support individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crises. These safe spaces aim to provide an alternative to hospitals and emergency departments, offering a welcoming environment that promotes mental well-being. Now, researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia are taking steps to help design these safe spaces effectively.
The urgent need for proactive community-based mental health services was emphasized in the Mental Health Commission’s Suicide Prevention 2020 report. Additionally, the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan recognizes the importance of prevention and early intervention. With these factors in mind, ECU is conducting research to ensure the appropriate implementation of community safe spaces.
The findings of a recent study conducted by ECU, published in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, shed light on what features community safe spaces should and should not have to be effective and welcoming for individuals in distress. The study focused on feedback from individuals who had visited hospital emergency departments during emotional distress or suicidal crises.
Currently, some safe spaces have been established in Australia, although many are located within or near hospitals. In Western Australia, for example, the Royal Perth Hospital Precinct houses a safe space. However, hospitals can present barriers when it comes to responding to people with mental health difficulties, as explained by Dr. Lesley Andrew, the lead researcher of the ECU study.
Many individuals have found emergency departments to be traumatic environments, with their sterile setting and association with physical illness or accidents. These spaces do not create a sense of belonging or safety for individuals in need of mental health support. Dr. Andrew emphasizes that although hospital staff do their best, the hospital environment is generally ill-suited to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
On a positive note, a community safe space has recently been opened in Busselton, Australia, offering a drop-in style space for individuals facing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Another center is planned for Bunbury. Currently, there are six safe spaces in operation, and Roses in the Ocean, a non-government organization, is aiming to establish an additional 11 safe spaces across Australia.
The primary goal of these safe spaces is to provide a supportive environment for individuals when they are feeling distressed, need a safe place, or are already in crisis and prefer not to engage with emergency services or the hospital system. Dr. Andrew explains that people can visit these safe spaces whenever they require support, whether it’s talking to peers, mental health professionals, or simply enjoying a friendly and comforting place to decompress.
Different models of safe spaces exist, including Safe Havens that combine clinical staff and peer workers, as well as community-led safe spaces offered by Roses in the Ocean that are purely non-clinical and peer-led for suicide prevention. The aim is to provide early interventions to individuals so that they can seek support before reaching a crisis point and find a safe environment where their needs are met.
Dr. Andrew highlights evidence from safe spaces overseas, which has shown that these initiatives help reduce pressure on the healthcare and policing systems. In the UK, for example, safe spaces have proven to be effective in reducing the need for health care resources and police involvement in mental health and well-being checks in the community.
To design effective safe spaces, researchers interviewed individuals who had visited hospital emergency departments for mental health reasons. The interviews aimed to understand what features, sounds, smells, and management approaches would make them feel safe and supported. Dr. Andrew explains that the goal is to shift from a medical model to a social model, ensuring that these safe spaces cater to the unique needs of individuals facing mental health challenges.
The establishment of community-based safe spaces for mental health crisis is gaining momentum, offering a welcome alternative to hospitals and emergency departments. Through ongoing research and the implementation of these safe spaces, communities can provide vital support and care for those in emotional distress or experiencing suicidal crises.
By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, these safe spaces can create a significant positive impact on individuals’ day-to-day lives and overall well-being. With the right resources and support networks, individuals who are struggling can find comfort and solace in a non-judgmental and empathetic environment. The importance of community-based mental health services cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in providing effective and compassionate care to those in need.
