Our own Safe Space for those in emotional distress

A call to action from our community – we need your help to prevent suicide on our local Northern Beaches!

Suicide is an issue that affects all communities. In 2021, across Australia, 3,144 people died by suicide. It was also the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44 years old. This is an average 8.6 deaths by suicide in Australia every single day.

Data from- January to August 2022 shows an increase in suspected suicide deaths in NSW in 2022 (660) compared to the same period in 2021 (600), 2020 (594) and 2019 (582).

It is important to look beyond the data however and to recognise that these numbers below represent all those we have lost to suicide and their loved ones left behind. We also acknowledge there is so much we can learn from those who have survived a suicide attempt, those who have their own lived experience of suicidal distress or suicidal thoughts, and those who have cared for them.

We are working with the support of Roses in The Ocean, Australia. As Defined by Roses in the Ocean People with lived or living experience of suicide are those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a suicide attempt, cared for someone through a suicidal crisis, been bereaved by suicide or have a loved one who has died by suicide.

You can help make a difference, every $ adds up and can save lives on our local Northern Beaches by donating today to MoWaNa Safe Space.

We’re a registered Australian Charity with deductible gift recipient status. This means that donations over $2 are tax deductible.

MoWaNa stands for Mona vale, Warriewood, and Narrabeen.

MoWaNa is a Community Peer-led Northern Beaches Safe Space,’ drop-in’ style that offers a non-clinical alternative to acute, clinical services such as emergency departments for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

Our Safe Space provides a warm, welcoming environment to reduce distress. It is supported by our Peer CARE Companions with their own lived experiences of emotional distress and suicidal thoughts, which can connect with others through the mutual understanding that comes with a meaningful shared experience.

MoWaNa Safe Space is.

• A trauma-informed 'no wrong' door approach

• A warm welcoming environment

• Non-clinical support that meets the holistic needs of our peers

• A compassionate and capable peer-led workforce

• Warm connections to other appropriate and reliable supports

• People with Lived Experience are actively involved in all aspects of the Community Safe Space.

We have over 40 Peer CARE Companions that are provided with two key pieces of training; Roses in the Ocean Suicide Prevention Peer CARE Companion and Living Works ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).

We need to raise more funds to educate and provide further training for our Peers and to recruit additional peers.

Thanks to Guy at The Mind Cafe; he has offered for us to use his cafe on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings; however, we are working towards having our very own space, when we can raise enough funds.

Our Executive Committee has been working voluntarily and tirelessly behind the scenes to get this up and running for our community.

Mel Kypri ( President and volunteer coordinate)

Adele Sullivan (Secretary)

Vacant (Treasurer)

Aileen Ogilvie ( Committee member)

Kate Jaques (CO-Fundraising Co-ordinator

Linda Quy ( Committee member and event coordinator)

Amber Boyd ( Committee member and Co-fundraiser coordinator)

Tony Moran (Committee member and I.T. specialist)

24/7 Crisis Support

Lifeline 131114

Suicide Call Back Line 1300 659 467