High utilization of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has highlighted the need to expand the availability of behavioral-health crisis care in the U.S. For individuals contacting 988 and others in distress, options to receive support in local communities and on their own terms remain limited, particularly for those living in rural areas.
UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence and SafeSide Prevention worked together to explore another option to meet these needs. Community-led Safe Spaces offer non-clinical, peer-led support to people in distress in a welcoming setting in the local community.
We researched the availability of care in local communities for people experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis and found that Safe Spaces may be especially impactful in rural communities that have fewer behavioral health services.
Our research focused on learning more about the needs and preferences of individuals—particularly those from rural communities—when experiencing emotional or suicidal distress. We also consulted mental health providers, community members, and legal/policy experts to determine the need for, interest in, and feasibility of establishing Safe Spaces.
Community-led Safe Spaces, inspired by Australia’s Roses in the Ocean, offer a promising option for individuals seeking connection and support in navigating their crisis but not needing clinical/medical intervention. They are staffed by trained peers with lived experience who provide emotional and practical support and foster a sense of understanding and empathy. Typically located in residential or storefront areas, the spaces are designed to be easily accessible and less stigmatizing for people seeking assistance. Each Safe Space is co-designed by community members and therefore tailored to the community’s needs.
The report describes strong interest in the Community-led Safe Spaces approach expressed by participants and looks at why it may have significant value for filling gaps in the current crisis-care system. A next step is to share the findings and seek further input. We welcome your thoughts.
Read the report about Community-led Safe Spaces for behavioral-health crisis support.
Related resources
- We have also partnered with SafeSide Prevention to provide suicide prevention training to rural service providers.
- Explore our resources to increase awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.