LOCAL LIFE
Safe Space Blacktown moves to central
Grafton Street location
Free, walk-in mental health and emotional support will continue to be available in the heart of Blacktown, with Safe Space Blacktown relocating to a new, more central site at 4 Grafton Street.
Operated by Stride, the free afterhours support service has moved from its former location at 24 Panorama Parade to better meet the needs of the area’ s rapidly growing population. The new site is close to Blacktown Hospital, public transport and other essential health services, while also offering easier access and on-site parking for visitors and their supporters. Local State Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali MP, welcomed the relocation,
One of the relaxing rooms at Safe Space. saying the service plays a vital role in supporting residents during difficult times.
“ Safe Space Blacktown is exactly the kind of practical, compassionate support our community needs when people are doing it tough,” he said.“ Having this service in a central, easy-to-reach location close to Blacktown Hospital and public transport means locals can get help early, in a calm and welcoming space, instead of feeling like the emergency department is their only option.”
Safe Space Blacktown is open to anyone aged 16 and over who may be experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, mental health concerns, isolation or loneliness. The service offers a free, walk-in alternative to hospital emergency departments, with no referral or appointment required.
Service Manager Renae Puckeridge said the move ensures the service continues to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for those seeking help.
“ We understand how difficult it can be to reach out when you’ re struggling,” she said.“ Safe Space Blacktown offers a calm, homelike setting where people can talk with trained peer workers who understand what they’ re going through. Our new location provides the same caring support, with the added convenience of easier access and onsite parking.”
The service also supports family
L-R Justin O’ Donnell, Peer Support Worker, Tessa Szilasi, Peer members, friends and Service Leader and Kaitlin WentWest Keep, Peer, the Support Western Worker Sydney. Primary carers seeking guidance and information. Health Network. To mark the relocation, The space has been designed in
Stride and WentWest hosted a Community
partnership with people who have lived Open Day on 10 February, inviting experience of mental health challenges, residents, community organisations and ensuring it provides practical, meaningful health professionals to visit the new site support. and meet the team.
At its new Grafton Street location,
Safe Space Blacktown is open
Safe Space Blacktown continues to offer Wednesday to Saturday from 3pm to peer and psychosocial support, suicide 9pm. People can walk in during opening prevention assistance, sensory rooms and hours, call 9129 8785, or email blacktown. quiet spaces, as well as connections and safespace @ stride. com. au for more referrals to other local services. information.
Stride, one of Australia’ s longestestablished mental health charities, needing urgent support should call 000
Anyone in immediate danger or
operates the service with funding from or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 60 // MARCH 2026 5