A dedicated team on Redlands Coast is offering a unique, peaceful space designed to support community members in mental health crises. With their welcoming smiles and an array of colourful toys, the Crisis Support Team fosters a low-stress environment aimed at easing the mental health recovery process. While the atmosphere may seem lighthearted, the work being done is both serious and vital.
The Bayside Crisis Support Space, a key initiative, provides an alternative to the busy Emergency Department (ED), offering a more tailored, therapeutic environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. This space allows people to receive care in a setting specifically designed to enhance mental wellness during times of distress.
Since its opening in June 2024, the service has already assisted over 1,500 individuals in need of mental health support, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Charles Philips plays a pivotal role in ensuring that both clinical care and peer support are seamlessly integrated to meet the needs of individuals in crisis.
“We provide an integrated approach that combines peer workers and clinical care, ensuring a holistic form of support for individuals facing a mental health crisis,” Philips said. “Our space offers a calm, low-stimulus environment, allowing guests to return when they experience moments of crisis, rather than presenting to the Emergency Department.”
Peer Support Worker Darryl Henwood shared that his role is centered on being non-judgmental, sharing his personal experiences, and providing a listening ear to help individuals navigate their crises. “I’m here to listen and help them work through their challenges, offering support and guidance,” Henwood explained.
For Michale Roennfeldt, another Peer Support Worker, the space serves as an opportunity to offer people a break from the overwhelming effects of everyday stressors. “The Crisis Support Space offers an opportunity to ‘hit pause,’” Roennfeldt said. “For many, this is their first time experiencing care like this. Our team helps them gain a greater understanding of themselves, which can have a lasting, positive impact on their lives.”
The Crisis Support Space is available Wednesday to Sunday, from 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Access to the service is primarily through referrals from the mental health team at Redland Hospital’s Emergency Department, as well as other mental health teams.
To increase accessibility, telehealth support is also offered for residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and those unable to attend in person due to transport or other barriers.
The Redlands Coast Crisis Support Team continues to provide a vital service, ensuring that individuals in need can find a safe, supportive space during their most vulnerable moments.
