Safe Havens stay with another six months funding

THE Northern Rivers free, drop-in mental health service, Safe Haven, will continue to operate three sites until June 30 next year.

Initially commissioned for three years by Healthy North Coast after the 2022 floods through the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package, the Safe Haven funding extension is the result of an additional $1.1 million grant.

Operated The Buttery, offering a friendly, safe, and non-clinical environment for immediate mental health and wellbeing support, the service had a significant spike between July and September 2025, with a 26 per cent increase in people seeking support compared to the previous quarter.

The Buttery CEO, Leone Crayden, said the model was one of the best in terms of its flexibility and providing a safe non-clinical alternative to emergency department admission.

“It provides mental health services, wellbeing and suicide prevention to all members of the community. A true no wrong door approach,” Crayden said.

Between July 2022 and April 2025, Safe Haven provided over 18,500 hours of counselling and supported almost 19,000 with on-site clinicians.Healthy North Coast CEO, Monika Wheeler, said the funding extension was a relief.

“We’ve seen just how much the community values these welcoming spaces – where people can drop in, speak to someone, connect with peer workers and take a breath,” Wheeler said.

“That’s even more important as the region continues its recovery journey. We thank the NSW Government for ensuring people in the Northern Rivers can continue accessing this great support.”

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Tracey Maisey said Safe Havens were about dignity, compassion and hope.

“Extending funding means we can continue to offer a space where people feel safe, respected and understood at their most vulnerable moments,” Maisey said.

“They show people that they matter, that help is close by, and that they are not alone.

“For our Northern NSW communities, where distance and isolation can make accessing support harder, Safe Havens provide a lifeline and a sense of belonging when it’s needed most.”

Safe Haven sites can be found in Magellan Street, Lismore; Tincogan Street, Mullumbimby; and Main Street, Murwillumbah.

For information, visit safehavennc.org.au