After 18,500 hours of free counselling, pop-up centres are closing

The closure of four pop-up Safe Haven mental health centers in Australia's Northern Rivers region leaves clients in distress and uncertainty. These centers, established as a crisis response after the devastating 2022 floods, provided over 18,500 hours of free counseling and support. Greg Clitheroe, who lost his wife to cancer, found solace and a path forward at the Murwillumbah center, describing it as a "lifesaver." He emphasized the non-judgmental, listening ear that offered hope without the need for medication.

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After three weeks, I hit rock bottom, and I didn't know what to do.

Michael Maloney, who suffers from bipolar disorder, also credits the Murwillumbah Safe Haven with saving his life. He stumbled upon the center during a period of deep depression and was immediately recognized by staff as needing urgent help. "It saved my life," Maloney stated, expressing his hope that the service can be saved. He described Safe Haven as a "caring, non-judgemental environment where I feel safe, and it always starts with a cup of coffee."

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It was a lifesaver for me.

These pop-up sites were part of the NSW government's Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Project, delivered by The Buttery. While the Woodburn center closed in October, services in Lismore, Murwillumbah, and Mullumbimby were extended until this month due to the region's significant need. Emma Schubert, a psychologist and clinical service manager at Lismore Medicare Mental Health Service, confirmed the high demand, noting that walk-in appointments are difficult and standard intake bookings can take a week. She stated that despite being a well-funded and large service, they are still unable to meet the community's mental health needs.

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This is just a life-mental problem. It doesn't need drugs, it needs someone kind who can listen to you for a while to give you some hope that there is a way through it.