Redefining Mental Health Crisis Support: A Peer-Led Alternative to Emergency Departments
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom I: In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
| 1:25 PM - 1:45 PM |
Overview
Amy Barry & Chloe Loveday, Neami National
Presenter
Amy Barry
Lived Experience Service Manager
Neami National
Redefining Mental Health Crisis Support: A Peer-Led Alternative to Emergency Departments
Abstract
A hospital service which starts with “can I get you a tea or coffee while you browse our menu of supports”. This is the experience we offer at the Logan Crisis Support Services (CSS). The model of service has been designed for guests to experience mental health crisis support differently; with empathy and compassion, more time to be heard and understood, and more opportunities to develop new ways to make sense of and transform their distress.
A collaboration between Neami and Queensland Metro South Health and Hospital Service, introduces a transformative model of mental health crisis support. This partnership reimagines the experience of individuals facing mental health crises by providing empathetic, compassionate, and personalised care in a dedicated “home-like” environment on hospital grounds, a short walk from the emergency department.
Co-designed with a diverse array of stakeholders— this peer-led service serves as an adjunct and alternative to traditional hospital emergency services. Our Crisis Support Space seeks to minimize unnecessary emergency department admissions by offering a more understanding and supportive setting for those in distress.
Initial the single referral pathway into the space is through the Emergency department, with plans to expand to additional services in a phased- implementation approach.
Staff utilise their lived experiences to foster an atmosphere of understanding and empowerment, enabling guests to explore their distress and develop new coping strategies. Follow-up support ensures that guests receive ongoing care and are connected to community resources.
This innovative approach not only aims to enhance the immediate support for individuals in crisis but also strives to equip them with the tools necessary for long-term resilience and understanding of their mental health. As we embark on this journey "Together Towards Tomorrow," we invite participants to explore how this innovative model can transform crisis intervention and foster a supportive community for all.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Alternative models to emergency departments for people experiencing crisis
2. Working together - not for profit organisations and hospital systems
3. Peer led services for people experiencing crisis
A collaboration between Neami and Queensland Metro South Health and Hospital Service, introduces a transformative model of mental health crisis support. This partnership reimagines the experience of individuals facing mental health crises by providing empathetic, compassionate, and personalised care in a dedicated “home-like” environment on hospital grounds, a short walk from the emergency department.
Co-designed with a diverse array of stakeholders— this peer-led service serves as an adjunct and alternative to traditional hospital emergency services. Our Crisis Support Space seeks to minimize unnecessary emergency department admissions by offering a more understanding and supportive setting for those in distress.
Initial the single referral pathway into the space is through the Emergency department, with plans to expand to additional services in a phased- implementation approach.
Staff utilise their lived experiences to foster an atmosphere of understanding and empowerment, enabling guests to explore their distress and develop new coping strategies. Follow-up support ensures that guests receive ongoing care and are connected to community resources.
This innovative approach not only aims to enhance the immediate support for individuals in crisis but also strives to equip them with the tools necessary for long-term resilience and understanding of their mental health. As we embark on this journey "Together Towards Tomorrow," we invite participants to explore how this innovative model can transform crisis intervention and foster a supportive community for all.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Alternative models to emergency departments for people experiencing crisis
2. Working together - not for profit organisations and hospital systems
3. Peer led services for people experiencing crisis
Biography
Amy Barry is the Lived Experience Service Manager for two Neami services – Safe Space Strathpine and the Logan Crisis Support Space (LCSS) in southeast Queensland, both services offering an alternative to presenting at hospital emergency departments (ED) for a mental health crisis. Amy has been with Neami for four years and worked as a Peer Wellbeing Coach, Mental Health Clinician (provisional psychologist), and Peer Practice Lead prior to her current service managers role.
Chloe Loveday
Neami National
Redefining Mental Health Crisis Support: A Peer-Led Alternative to Emergency Departments
Abstract
A hospital service which starts with “can I get you a tea or coffee while you browse our menu of supports”. This is the experience we offer at the Logan Crisis Support Services (CSS). The model of service has been designed for guests to experience mental health crisis support differently; with empathy and compassion, more time to be heard and understood, and more opportunities to develop new ways to make sense of and transform their distress.
A collaboration between Neami and Queensland Metro South Health and Hospital Service, introduces a transformative model of mental health crisis support. This partnership reimagines the experience of individuals facing mental health crises by providing empathetic, compassionate, and personalised care in a dedicated “home-like” environment on hospital grounds, a short walk from the emergency department.
Co-designed with a diverse array of stakeholders— this peer-led service serves as an adjunct and alternative to traditional hospital emergency services. Our Crisis Support Space seeks to minimize unnecessary emergency department admissions by offering a more understanding and supportive setting for those in distress.
Initial the single referral pathway into the space is through the Emergency department, with plans to expand to additional services in a phased- implementation approach.
Staff utilise their lived experiences to foster an atmosphere of understanding and empowerment, enabling guests to explore their distress and develop new coping strategies. Follow-up support ensures that guests receive ongoing care and are connected to community resources.
This innovative approach not only aims to enhance the immediate support for individuals in crisis but also strives to equip them with the tools necessary for long-term resilience and understanding of their mental health. As we embark on this journey "Together Towards Tomorrow," we invite participants to explore how this innovative model can transform crisis intervention and foster a supportive community for all.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Alternative models to emergency departments for people experiencing crisis
2. Working together - not for profit organisations and hospital systems
3. Peer led services for people experiencing crisis
A collaboration between Neami and Queensland Metro South Health and Hospital Service, introduces a transformative model of mental health crisis support. This partnership reimagines the experience of individuals facing mental health crises by providing empathetic, compassionate, and personalised care in a dedicated “home-like” environment on hospital grounds, a short walk from the emergency department.
Co-designed with a diverse array of stakeholders— this peer-led service serves as an adjunct and alternative to traditional hospital emergency services. Our Crisis Support Space seeks to minimize unnecessary emergency department admissions by offering a more understanding and supportive setting for those in distress.
Initial the single referral pathway into the space is through the Emergency department, with plans to expand to additional services in a phased- implementation approach.
Staff utilise their lived experiences to foster an atmosphere of understanding and empowerment, enabling guests to explore their distress and develop new coping strategies. Follow-up support ensures that guests receive ongoing care and are connected to community resources.
This innovative approach not only aims to enhance the immediate support for individuals in crisis but also strives to equip them with the tools necessary for long-term resilience and understanding of their mental health. As we embark on this journey "Together Towards Tomorrow," we invite participants to explore how this innovative model can transform crisis intervention and foster a supportive community for all.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Alternative models to emergency departments for people experiencing crisis
2. Working together - not for profit organisations and hospital systems
3. Peer led services for people experiencing crisis
Biography
Bio not provided
