People experiencing suicidal distress will have greater access to peer-led support, with the Minns Labor Government investing an additional $2.5 million to strengthen services across NSW Mental Health Hubs.
The funding will allow Hubs across the state, from North Ryde and Newcastle to Penrith and Parkes, to increase staffing, extend opening hours or improve facilities based on local needs.
The services, previously known as Towards Zero Suicides Safe Havens, are also being renamed NSW Mental Health Hubs to make them easier for people to recognise and understand when searching for support.
NSW Mental Health Hubs provide free, peer-led or peer-partnered mental health support for people experiencing suicidal crisis or distress.
There are 24 Hubs across NSW, which play a key part in the NSW Government's response to suicide prevention, backed by $40 million in annual funding.
The new statewide name responds to consultation findings that people are often unsure where to seek help when they need it and can struggle to understand the support options available.
While the name is changing, the model of care is not. People will continue to receive support from trained peer workers who provide compassionate, non-clinical support grounded in lived experience.
The new name has been informed by consultation with people with lived experience, peer workers, local health districts, peak bodies and other key stakeholders.
NSW Health will support the transition through updated branding, communications, and consumer information resources to ensure a consistent and coordinated statewide rollout in early 2027.
This change is part of a suite of reforms to improve suicide prevention in NSW, underpinned by the world-leading Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 which places suicide prevention at the centre of government decision making.
If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). For those contemplating suicide or experiencing severe distress, the following helplines are available 24/7:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- 13 YARN: 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.
Additionally, the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) is a free 24/7 service staffed by mental health professionals who can offer advice and make recommendations for appropriate care, including referral to NSW Health mental health services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"Asking for help can be incredibly hard, and we need to make it as easy as possible for people to find the right support when they're ready to take that step.
"NSW Mental Health Hubs are places where people experiencing distress can be met by someone who understands, listens without judgement and can support them through an incredibly difficult moment. That's why we're investing another $2.5 million to strengthen these services across NSW.
"The name is changing, but what makes these services special isn't. People will continue to be welcomed by trained peer workers who understand what they're going through and can provide compassionate, non-clinical support."
Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Ryde Lyndal Howison:
"Mental health challenges can affect anyone and I want families in Ryde to know that there is somewhere close to home they can turn in a moment of crisis.
"The North Ryde Hub gives young people aged 12 to 17 a welcoming place to turn when they're going through an incredibly difficult time, supported by peer workers who understand what that experience can feel like.
"A clearer name might seem like a small change, but if it helps even one person recognise where they can go for support, it matters."
Quotes attributable to Paige, peer worker at North Ryde:
"The strength of these services has always been their warm, welcoming and non-judgemental approach.
"The new name makes it easier for people to understand what the services offer, while maintaining the values of trust, connection and lived experience that have made the model so successful."
Quotes attributable to Will Woods, peer worker and councillor for Health Services Union:
"Lived experience peer work is grounded in inclusivity. Everyone deserves to feel welcomed, heard and supported, regardless of the nature of their mental health distress."
"Renaming Safe Havens as Mental Health Hubs sends an important message: mental health support should be accessible to everyone, whatever challenges they may be facing.
"It's a positive step towards a genuine no-wrong-door approach that keeps lived experience and human connection central to these services."
Gerard Hayes AM, NSW/ACT/QLD Secretary for Health Services Union:
"When people are at a low ebb, they're often unaware of the support that's on offer, and even less aware that if they use that support they can turn a corner and rebuild.
