Apex Club extends help to support vital service

The Busselton Apex Club has partnered with the Busselton Community Safe Space to help develop local volunteer skills, and increase help offered by the vital community service.

The Busselton Community Safe Space offers a weekly drop-in place, catering to individuals grappling with social and emotional challenges.

Staffed entirely by community volunteers with both lived and living firsthand experience, the program provides an inclusive environment where visitors are encouraged to engage in activities that resonate with them.

“Together as a group, we are committed to diversity, eliminating all forms of prejudice and discrimination,” Volunteer and Committee Chair, Nya explained.

“We welcome all of the Busselton Community irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation ability and gender identity.”

Community volunteers undertake CALM (Connect, Ask, Listen, Monitor) training to understand the different ways to support people and develop plans for moving forward, encouraging safety and community wellbeing.

Busselton Apex Club offered sponsorship for up to 14 community volunteers to complete the CALM training, to increase the number of volunteers at the Safe Space.

“Apex Busselton is proud to support this program and its volunteers who are developing by example a more intelligent, proactive citizenship and by doing so building a better Busselton Community,” Club President Clint Roberts said.

“On a weekly basis, this program and its volunteers bring light into the dark, in some cases saving lives. I can’t thank them enough for their service.”

Recently-joined Apex member Cameron Edwards said it was great to be part of a club with a long standing history of service to the community.

“Through funding 14 more volunteers, Safe Space will increase its capacity to continue peer-support approaches to difficult and challenging community topics,” Cameron said.

“I look forward to working with Apex to support of this very important civic service.”

Busselton Community Safe Space is a drop-in style, non-clinical approach to suicide prevention, emotional distress and general wellbeing.

One night a week volunteers are ready to support locals in whatever way they need.

All conversations are confidential, no appointment is needed and there is no cost involved. You can choose to remain anonymous and there are no forms to fill out.

“This is a non clinical program built by community supporting community,” volunteer coordinator Hannah explained.

“You are welcome at Safe Space as many times as you like and you will feel supported by different volunteers, with different perspectives and past experiences to help your journey to wellness.”

Busselton Community Safe Space is open Friday nights from 5-9pm.

If you would like to know more, visit busseltoncss.com.au