Meet the team dedicated to offering a safe and welcoming environment for Redlands Coast community members in mental health crises. With smiles and colourful toys in hand, the team create a calm, low-stress atmosphere designed to help people feel supported and at ease. It looks like great fun, but it’s serious business.
The Crisis Support Space provides an alternative to the busy Emergency Department, offering people who may be mentally unwell the opportunity to receive care in a fit-for-purpose environment designed to contribute to mental wellness.
Bayside CSS recently reached a milestone with more than 1,500 people in mental health distress seeking support at the Bayside Crisis Support Space since its opening in June 2024.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Charles Philips ensures clinical and peer support are integrated to meet the needs of consumers.
“We offer an integrated approach, combining peer workers and clinical care to support individuals in crisis,” he said.
“We provide a calm, low-stimulus environment where guests return during crisis points instead of presenting to the Emergency Department.
“Our care ensures that have a safe, welcoming refuge to turn to during their most vulnerable moments.”
Peer Support Worker Darryl Henwood said his role as a peer worker was to be non-judgmental, share my experience, listen and help them to work through their crisis and find solutions.
Peer Support Worker Michale Roennfeldt said that mental health can be impacted by everyday stressors.
“The Crisis Support Space offers an opportunity to hit 'pause' for a time.
“For many people, it’s the first time that have experienced car like this, our care helps them have a greater understanding of themselves and we can really positively impact their lives.”
The service operates Wednesday to Sunday, from 2:30 pm to 9pm, and is available to those referred by Redland Hospital’s Emergency Department mental health team as a priority, and by other mental health teams.
To ensure accessibility, telehealth support is available for residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and those unable to attend in person due to transport or other barriers.