With Blacktown experiencing significant and rapid population growth, outpacing both NSW and Greater Sydney, the local community needs services that can adequately support them. The move is designed to bring the service close to Blacktown Hospital, public transport and other health services, while providing easier access and plenty of parking for guests and their supporters.

Local State Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali MP, welcomed the move and encouraged residents to use the service when they need support.

He added “Having this service in a central, easy-to-reach location close to Blacktown Hospital and public transport means locals can get help early, in a calm and welcoming space, instead of feeling like the emergency department is their only option.”

Safe Space Blacktown is available to all people aged 16 and over who can freely visit if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health concerns, isolation or loneliness and are seeking connection and support. It’s a free, walk-in alternative to presenting at the hospital emergency department, with no referral and no appointment needed.

Renae added, “We also recognise that an emergency room may not always feel like the right place to find comfort and understanding. Sometimes, what we truly need is someone who listens, an understanding presence to help us work through our thoughts and feelings, someone who truly gets it. Our dedicated team is here to support you through this journey. Even with our move to Grafton Street, we remain a peaceful, welcoming and home like space with the same incredible peer workers you can chat with, and now with the added convenience of on-site parking. We’re here for you, every step of the way.”

The new site will continue to support people in distress as well as family members, friends and carers seeking information and advice. The space and supports have been designed in partnership with people who have lived through tough times themselves and understand what does and doesn’t work when things feel overwhelming.

At the new Grafton Street location, Safe Space Blacktown will continue to offer:

• Peer support and psychosocial support
• Suicide-prevention focused support, including sensory and safety planning
• A calm, homelike environment with sensory rooms and quiet areas
• Connections and warm referrals to other local services where needed

Safe Space Blacktown is operated by Stride, one of Australia’s longest-established mental health charities and is proudly funded by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

To help the community get to know the new space, Stride and WentWest will host a Community Open Day at Safe Space Blacktown on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 from 11am-1pm. Local residents, community organisations and health services are invited to visit the new site, meet the team, and learn more about the support available.

For those seeking support, Safe Space Blacktown is open Wednesday to Saturday from 3-9pm, with no referral or appointment needed. People can walk in during opening hours or call ahead if they prefer to speak to someone first (Call: 02 9129 8785). For more information you can contact the team here.

If someone needs urgent help outside of Safe Space Blacktown’s opening hours or is in immediate danger, they should call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Media release published Tuesday, 2 February 2026.