Surf Coast Safe Space

10/06/2026

💙 Today, we thank our First Responders.

To the paramedics, police officers, firefighters, SES volunteers, emergency service workers, health professionals and community responders who support people through some of life's most difficult moments — thank you.

Every day, you show up for others with courage, compassion and commitment. You witness distress, grief, trauma and crisis, often while carrying your own experiences and challenges.

At Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space, we recognise that first responders are people too.
💙💙💙

Our Safe Space welcomes anyone experiencing emotional distress, those supporting someone they care about, people bereaved by su***de, and anyone seeking connection, conversation or a supportive place to be.

You do not need to be in crisis to reach out.

As a Community-led Safe Space established by Roses in the Ocean, we are a non-clinical, peer-informed service. We believe people deserve to be met with compassion, connection and conversation.

Attending our Safe Space does not automatically result in emergency services being contacted. Emergency services will only be involved where there is an immediate and serious risk to someone's safety, or if you specifically ask us to do so- consistent with the Community-led Safe Space model.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, please call 000.

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Thank you to all first responders for the care you provide our community every day. We see you, and you are welcome here too.
💙💙💙💙💙

10/06/2026

09/06/2026

🎙️ If you missed Vanessa's interview with Hardyal Singh this morning on The Pulse Radio Geelong's "The Tuesday Front Page" program, it's well worth a listen.

https://omny.fm/shows/tuesday-front-page/tuesday-front-page-9-june-2026

From 8:10 to 25:00, Vanessa shares the story behind Surf Coast Safe Space, who we support, and why connection matters.

In a generous, honest and deeply personal conversation, Vanessa speaks about her lived experience of su***de bereavement and the importance of bringing conversations about su***de out into the open so that, together, we can tackle it head-on.

One of the key messages was simple: there is no wrong door.

Our Safe Space welcomes anyone who is experiencing distress, loneliness, overwhelm, grief, uncertainty, or simply needs connection and understanding.

We are here for:
💙 People experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress
💙 Carers, family members and supporters
💙 People bereaved by su***de
💙 Anyone feeling isolated, struggling, or needing a place to belong
💙 People. However you show up.

Surf Coast Safe Space is a non-clinical, community-led space where people can be supported by highly trained volunteers who all bring lived experience. We won't tell you what to do, offer unsolicited advice, or try to "fix" you. Instead, we listen, understand, empathise, and walk alongside you.

If you're looking for additional support, we can also help connect you with services and resources within the community that may be helpful for your circumstances.

We are proudly auspiced by Roses in the Ocean and part of a national network of 13 Community-led Safe Spaces across Australia, with more being established around the country. 🌹🌊

When you visit, you might find:
☕ A cuppa and a chat 🧩 Jigsaw puzzles
🎨Watercolours and creative activities 💌 Card making with our resident Hallmark-worthy card creator, Nikki🧸 Sensory toys and fidgets 🛋️ Weighted blankets
📚 Books and quiet spaces 🤝 Areas for connection as well as private spaces for reflection

Or you can simply sit and be.

Whatever feels right for you.

📍 Surf Coast Safe Space
FeedMe Surf Coast
3/22 Cylinders Drive, Torquay
🕙 Saturdays | 10:00am – 2:00

04/06/2026

Long weekends can bring people together—but they can also be a reminder of when we're feeling disconnected.

If you're experiencing emotional distress, supporting someone who is struggling, grieving the loss of someone to su***de, or simply looking for a place to connect, you're welcome here.

Our volunteers have their own lived experience of su***de, loss, caring, and emotional distress. We understand how powerful it can be to feel heard, seen, supported, not judged, and not alone.

You don't need to be in crisis to visit.

Come for a chat (or sit in silence), a cuppa, a cookie, some quiet company, a change of scenery or simply because you'd like to spend time in a different environment for a while.
..sometimes the most important step is simply knowing there is a place you can go...

Everyone is welcome. 💙🌊

03/06/2026

Hope isn't about pretending everything is okay.

It's knowing that even in difficult moments, there are people who will sit beside you, listen, and help you find your footing again.

That's what community is.

That's what this space is here for.

🌹🌊🌹🌊🌹🌊🌹🌊🌹🌊🌹🌊🌹

01/06/2026

As Pride Month begins, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our community.

Some people want to be seen and celebrated loudly.

Some people simply want to be accepted without needing to explain who they are.

Both matter.

At the Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space, we strive to be a place where people are treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

Whoever you are.

However you identify.

However you show up.

You are welcome here. 🌈💛🌊

29/05/2026

Some weeks feel heavier than others.
A week of reflecting, listening and remembering.

Colder nights, winter bugs, worry for loved ones, exhaustion, grief, uncertainty — it can all build up quietly.

Tomorrow, the Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space will be open from 1.30pm – 4pm 💛🌊

A place to pause.
To connect.
To have a cuppa, sit quietly, chat with someone who understands — or even laugh, tell terrible jokes, and talk about completely random things for a while.

No referrals. No pressure. No need to be in crisis.
Just a warm, community-led space where you are welcome exactly as you are.

📍 Torquay Community House
14 Price St, Torquay

Take care of yourselves and each other this weekend
🖤❤️💛
💚💙🖤🤍
🩵🩷🤍🤎🖤
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
🌹🌊

26/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day 🖤💛❤️

For many people and communities, this day can hold reflection, grief, sadness, pride, remembrance, connection, and difficult conversations.

Please know you do not have to carry those feelings alone.

If you feel like you need a quiet space, a cuppa, connection, or simply someone to sit and chat with, Surf Coast Safe Space is here for you.

📍 Torquay Community House
14 Price Street, Torquay
🕐 Saturdays | 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

A community-led, non-clinical space grounded in care, compassion, and connection 🌊

If you would like or prefer to chat over the telephone, the Roses in the Ocean Peer CARE Companion line is available on 1800 77 PEER (1800 77 7337).

22/05/2026

Tomorrow, the Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space won’t be opening its doors. It’s that time of year when winter bugs drift through the coast, the bush, and our community — and unfortunately they’ve found some of us too 🤧 🤗

While we won’t be gathering in person this Saturday, support and connection still matter deeply. If things feel heavy, overwhelming, or you simply need someone to talk to, these supports are available:

🌹 Roses in the Ocean Peer CARE Companion Warmline
📞 1800 77 PEER (1800 77 7337)

🤗 For those under 18
📞 Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia
📞1300 789 978

🖤💛❤️ 💚💙🖤🤍
📞13YARN (13 92 76)

🏳️‍🌈 QLife
📞1800 184 527

Lifeline
📞 13 11 14 💬 Text 0477 131 114

Su***de Call Back Service
📞1300 659 467

🚨 If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 000.

Like the ocean, difficult moments rise and fall. And like Bundjil watching over Country, community care continues — even when the doors are temporarily closed.

We look forward to welcoming you back next week.

Take care,
Surf Coast Safe Space team

17/05/2026

Yesterday, we had the privilege of spending the day with the incredible team at Feed Me Surf Coast 💛🌊

What we experienced was so much more than a community service.

We met people from all walks of life — different ages, different backgrounds, different stories. Some stopped for a quick chat. Others shared deeply personal experiences, concerns for loved ones, or gratitude that a space like ours, and Feed Me Surf Coast, exists.

Many people walked away with brochures, wanting to learn more about the Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space and how non-clinical, compassionate support might help someone they care about — or even themselves.

What stayed with us most was the openness, generosity, and willingness of people to connect.
There were tears.
There were laughs.
There were hugs.

Feed Me Surf Coast welcomed us with open arms and offered valuable insight into the strength, kindness, struggles, and very real needs within our community. The work they do is extraordinary. There is such dignity, care, a sense of fun and sustainability woven into everything they offer — values that deeply resonate with us too.

At the Surf Coast Community-led Safe Space, we also believe in creating something sustainable, grounded in community, and built to genuinely meet people where they are.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Feed Me Surf Coast — especially Brooke and Nick — who went above and beyond in connecting with us, sharing their knowledge, and being genuinely curious about our vision and service.

Community care matters.
Human connection matters.
And yesterday reminded us just how much people need spaces where they feel welcomed, heard, and supported 💛