APop-Up Drop-In Community Support Space has opened at the Mount Gambier Library old Bookmark Café, a safe space for people seeking support for themselves or others.

AnglicareSA’s StandBy Support After Suicide Coordinator Tracey Wanganeen said the support space had been well-received by the community and was open to everyone.

Ms Wanganeen said the space was a StandBy Support After Suicide collaborative venture with services including FocusOne, AC Care, SA Health, Mission Australia and Centacare with support from Wellbeing SA.

“They are professionals on duty so if someone is distressed that we can respond appropriately,” she said.

“There will be someone that can talk to them or listen to them if they have something they just need to talk out loud with someone.

“We’ll do what we can to give them some tips and advice and point them in the right direction.”

People can have a tea or coffee while colouring in, playing board games or cards and activities will be held throughout the month including mindfulness colouring sessions, community barbecue breakfasts, the 1000 hearts project and meditation sessions.

“It’s about hospitality, warmth, information if they want it, or just a general chat,” Ms Wanganeen said.

The support space is open Tuesday to Friday until the end of June for two mornings from 9am until 1pm and two afternoons from 1pm until 5pm.

Ms Wanganeen said the space had the potential to re-open if there was a community need and thanked the Mount Gambier City Council for lending them the space in the library.

“Even if you do not need support but you just want to know more about what we do, come in and have a chat,” she said.

“We have got the urn going and you can pop in for a cuppa or a chat with anybody that’s sitting in the space.”

Visit the library for the full roster of opening times and dates for when activities are run or contact Ms Wanganeen via 0437 503 520 or standbycountrysa@anglicaresa.com.au.

For anyone needing urgent support, contact Lifeline 131 114.