MoWaNa Safe Space is a peer led community-based service to support people who are experiencing emotional or suicidal distress.

MoWaNa stands for Mona Vale, Warriewood and Narrabeen.

The Safe Space is a ‘drop in’ style place that offers a non-clinical alternative to acute, clinical services such as emergency departments for people experiencing emotional or suicidal distress.

Our community led Safe Space provides a warm, welcoming environment in which to reduce distress, it will be staffed by our Peer CARE Companions (PCC) who have either had their own lived experience of suicide, have supported someone else in crisis, or who have been bereaved by suicide. This means they are better able to connect with others through the mutual understanding that comes with meaningful shared experience.

We are:

• A trauma-informed ‘no wrong’ door approach

• A warm welcoming environment

• Non-clinical support that meets the holistic needs of our peers

• A compassionate and capable peer-led workforce

• Warm connections to other appropriate and reliable supports

• People with Lived Experience are actively involved in all aspects of the Community Safe Space.

The community-led Safe Space model has been designed by Roses in the Ocean.

We are working alongside Roses in the Ocean for their expertise, guidance, and operational support

We have over 40 companions that will volunteer in our Safe Space. All our volunteers are provided with two key trainings: Living Works ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), and Roses in the Ocean Peer Care Companion Training and gatekeeper training.

We are thankful for the support of, Roses in the Ocean, Sydney North Health Network and Northern Beaches Council, who have actively supported our volunteers by offering free or subsidised training. This is essential to equip them with the skills to provide compassionate and trauma informed interventions as well as having the appropriate language to support those who are distressed.

We know that there are many factors which can lead a person to experience suicidal distress, including an existing mental health issue, adverse life challenges, or points of disconnection throughout their life. We will build capacity within our volunteers to know which local services and supports they can refer people to. We shall ensure we build effective and ongoing relationships with the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Northern Beaches Hospital, and other local community services and groups.

We initially plan to be open for community drop-ins on Friday and Saturday nights 5-9pm and will consider additional hours upon community need.

While we raise funds for our own space in Pittwater, Guy at The Mind Café in Narrabeen is kindly allowing us to use his space, it aligns with our intentions for our community to reduce suicide.

We are opening on Friday 18th February at 5.00pm for those in emotional distress.

Our Executive Committee are:

  • Kerry Gleeson (President)
  • Mel Kypri (Vice President and Volunteer coordinate)
  • Pending position previously Sue Johannsen (Secretary)
  • Claire Monaghan (Treasurer)
  • Aileen Ogilvie (Executive Committee member)
  • Becky Sexton (Executive Committee member)
  • Linda Quy (Executive Committee member and event coordinator)
  • Amber Boyd (Fundraiser Coordinator)

Executive Committee members at The Mind Cafe

The Mind Café, Shop 3, 1346 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen

Mobile for Safe Space: 0478 007 722 (Only available Friday and Saturdays 5-9pm)

Email: support@mowana.org.au

Facebook: MoWaNa Northern Beaches Safe Space

Go Fund me page: https://gofund.me/cdd60a91

We’re a registered Australian Charity with deductible gift recipient status. This means that donations over $2 are tax deductible.

We would like to thank all our volunteer working group members and our Peer Care Companions, that are willing to use their lived experiences to assist others in their journey of hope.

24/7 support

If you need someone to talk to, please call:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
  • MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
  • Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
  • Headspace on 1800 650 890
  • QLife on 1800 184 527