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Townsville University Hospital Crisis Support Space: Celebrating two years
Townsville’s Wadda Mooli The Welcome Space is celebrating its second year of operation this week, acknowledging the dedicated support services provided by selectability and Townsville University Hospital.
Wadda Mooli is delivered through a partnership between selectability and the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and provides urgent non-clinical support for people presenting to the Townsville University Hospital emergency department (ED) in emotional distress and crisis.
selectability program coordinator Eliza Meldrum, who has been providing support tp the team at Wadda Mooli since its inception, said the growth of the space demonstrated the community need for a crisis service.
“I am pretty thankful for the amazing group of peer workers, to have a group of people so dedicated and passionate about providing unwavering support to others in a time of crisis,” said Eliza.
“Their resilience and dedication have helped build the safe and supportive space we see today, which has made them an absolute pleasure to work alongside.
“We are really proud of our welcoming and inclusive space. When visitors enter Wadda Mooli, they are offered a tea or coffee and can take some time to use the massage chair to relax in the peace and quiet.
“By speaking with our peer workers, visitors are supported to feel empowered, know that they are not alone and that there is hope.
“Our peer workers also assist visitors to outline keys steps to take once leaving the space so that a plan is in place to link in with valuable ongoing support in the community.
“We are there to listen without judgement, with compassion and empathy.”
Over the 2-year period, Wadda Mooli – The Welcome Space has seen close to 1000 presentations for support.
The service is staffed by 2 peer workers with support from a mental health clinician, in a calming space away from the stressful environment of ED.
A selectability peer support worker, who has also worked at Wadda Mooli for the last 2 years said that she was grateful provide such an important service.
“During my time working in Wadda Mooli I have come to appreciate that allowing people to be heard and holding space for someone is one of the greatest gifts we can provide,” She said.
“Another valuable lesson I've learnt is that vulnerability is actually a strength and by sharing parts of our story we allow walls to come down, empower people and ultimately provide hope.”
Beyond it’s strong support system and person-centred approach Wadda Mooli – The Welcome Space, demonstrates the important need for crisis support in regional Queensland.
Wadda Mooli – The Welcome Space is open weekdays from 12:45pm – 9:30pm and weekends 12:00pm - 9:30pm. Please call 4433 3912 to confirm the availability of the service. If you are in the ED, a staff member may able to assist you to access the service.
You can find more information HERE
Further information
For further online resources to look after your own or your loved one’s mental wellbeing.
Additional online digital resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental wellbeing.
For crisis support and further mental health assessment, contact the Acute Care Team on
1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55) This operates 24 hours a day.
In an emergency, please phone 000.
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
