SafeHaven Kogarah marks five years of life‑saving support
The first SafeHaven in NSW is celebrating five years of providing vital, compassionate support to more than 700 people experiencing suicidal distress in South Eastern Sydney.
Since opening in 2021, SafeHaven Kogarah has delivered more than 8,500 episodes of care, providing a free, welcoming, non‑clinical alternative for people struggling with emotional distress or thoughts of suicide.
Unlike traditional emergency settings, SafeHaven provides a calm, supportive space where people can walk in and receive immediate help, connection and recovery with no appointment needed.
Katie Thorburn, Manager of SafeHaven Kogarah said the service plays a critical role in suicide prevention and mental health care in the community.
“Working closely with emergency services, hospitals and community partners, SafeHaven is a place of hope and safety for people experiencing emotional distress” said Thorburn.
The NSW Government has invested more than $57 million to establish and deliver 24 Safe Havens across the state which offer an alternative to accessing mental health services through hospital emergency departments.
A defining feature of SafeHaven Kogarah is its peer worker‑led model of care. Peer workers are trained mental health professionals who draw on their own experience of life-changing mental health challenges, suicidal distress and recovery, or as carers supporting loved ones.
“Peer workers meet people where they are, offering compassion, understanding and practical help when it’s needed most. For many, it has made the difference between feeling alone and feeling supported” said Thorburn.
At SafeHaven Kogarah, peer workers provide immediate support, practical strategies and pathways to ongoing care. Their compassionate, person‑centred care supports people to feel safe, heard and connected during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
‘Libby’, a former guest of SafeHaven Kogarah, said the centre has played a vital role in helping her manage distress.
"After a suicide attempt nine years ago, I knew I needed to find safer, more sustainable ways to manage my distress. SafeHaven has been a vital part of that journey – offering a place where I can be heard, supported, and not face those moments alone” said Libby.
Reaching its five‑year milestone highlights the growing need for accessible, stigma‑free mental health support and reinforces the value of investing in services that prioritise early intervention, connection and recovery.
“This milestone is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people who have sought support, as well as the commitment of the entire dedicated team who provide care six nights a week” said Thorburn.
To commemorate the milestone, a collaborative artwork was created by Safe Haven guests, peer workers and staff.
SafeHaven Kogarah is operated by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and is open six evenings a week. For more information, including opening hours, visit https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/safehaven
At all times if you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).
If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.
20 May 2026
