Safe Spaces secured for the future, strengthening after-hours mental health support

A celebration at Stride’s Caboolture Safe Space earlier this year marked an important milestone, with renewed Government funding securing the future of Safe Spaces across Caboolture, Redcliffe, Strathpine and Bardon. The announcement followed significant advocacy and collaboration to demonstrate the vital role these services play in supporting local communities.

The event brought together Stride team members, community partners, supporters and special guests including Corinne Mulholland, Mark Ryan MP, colleagues from Neami National and Redcliffe Area Youth Space Incorporated, alongside members of the local community.

A highlight of the afternoon was hearing from courageous Safe Space guests who shared their experiences and reflected on the difference these services have made in their lives. Their stories are a powerful reminder of why accessible, after-hours mental health support matters.

Safe Spaces provide a welcoming, non-clinical environment where people can connect with trained mental health workers and peer workers. Research into Stride’s Safe Spaces has shown their impact, with guests reporting a 41% reduction in distress after attending, and 81% saying they would prefer a Safe Space over an emergency department during future experiences of crisis.

The renewed funding will help ensure these important community-based supports remain available for people when they need them most.