Safe Space for Surf Coast proposed

A NEW initiative on the Surf Coast aims to enhance mental health, foster social connection, and support suicide prevention.

Across the Surf Coast and Bellarine, suicide remains a significant concern. While data reflects a broad age range, men are more frequently affected.

These patterns highlight the need for tailored, community-led responses that reflect local realities.

Communities from Anglesea to Lorne presently lack accessible support groups for individuals experiencing suicidal distress.

While Geelong offers some services, they are predominantly clinical and can be up to 90 minutes drive’ away, creating barriers to access for many residents.

This reinforces the need for non-clinical, place-based support options within the Surf Coast and Bellarine.

The Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space initiative responds directly to this gap. It will provide a welcoming, non-crisis, non-clinical environment for people affected by suicide – offering compassionate, peer-led support as an alternative as an alternative or addition to other services.

Designed with equity and cultural safety at its core, the Safe Space model empowers lived experience voices and ensures inclusive access for all.

Volunteers, known as Peer CARE Companions, are local people with lived experience of suicide who are trained through Roses in the Ocean to use their lived experience to support others, equipping them with peer support skills, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness. This builds a sustainable support network that strengthens local capacity and promotes reciprocal healing.

There are now 13 Safe Spaces in operation across Australia.

The Surf Coast Safe Space will officially launch in February with a community celebration.

Key benefits of the initiative include:

A drop-in model of care that offers an accessible alternative to traditional support services

Peer-led support that validates lived experience and fosters hope, resilience, and personal growth

Practical coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques shared by trained volunteers, and

Exposure to safe storytelling practices and connection to local support services and cultural wisdom.

For more information or to get involved, email the Community-led Safe Space team at [email protected] or join the community consultation session at the Jan Juc SLSC clubhouse on Wednesday, October 29 at 6pm.

This session will invite broader input into the design and delivery of services, offering opportunities for individuals to join the working group or volunteer.