Safe Haven

Royal Perth Hospital has an area set aside as a Safe Haven for people who do not need intensive clinical and medical support and would benefit from care in a more calming environment.

Staff in emergency departments will work closely with the Safe Havens to identify distressed, lonely or isolated people who can receive problem-solving support from peer and clinical staff.

It is a safe place to:

• speak confidentially to peer workers and clinicians
• attend education/group sessions on managing distress
• receive support without needing to present and wait unnecessarily in the Emergency Department.

The Safe Haven peer worker support service is provided by Ruah Community Services.

Ruah has significant experience in this space and has provided support to Western Australians for more than 60 years, helping more than 30,000 consumers each year.

How does Safe Haven work?

Everyone’s cultural diversity, personal and sexual safety is equally important at Safe Haven.

The Safe Haven requires all people who self-present or are referred to Safe Haven to be willing and able to act in a safe and responsible manner on site.

In return the Safe Haven space and staff will provide:

• a less formal listening ear from lived experience peer support staff
• mental health and/or AOD clinical guidance and direction if needed
• personalised time with a Safe Haven team member and options for group-based activities
• a place that is calming and can provide you with options to help you manage day to day life better.