Safe Beds is a mental health and justice initiative developed to provide an alternative to incarceration and/or hospitalization for community members experiencing a crisis related to their substance use and/or mental health. Persons who have been apprehended under the mental health act or otherwise involved with police may be referred for a crisis respite stay in the safe beds program for up to 30-days. Referrals must come from police/IMPACT, or via hospital after a mental health apprehension. This 24/7, four-bed program will provide acute crisis and substance use stabilization, harm reduction recovery-oriented programming, life skills development, and connection and collaboration with community services.
What services will be provided?
- Crisis stabilization/de-escalation
- Suicide and NSSI assessment and planning
- Life skills development (via 1:1 and group)
- Individualized treatment planning
- Psychoeducational groups
- Nutritious meals
- Temporary supportive housing (up to 30 days)
- Access to support for acute health care needs via partnership with community service providers
- Access to medication support via partnership with pharmacy
- Support in accessing harm-reduction care options
- Connection with ongoing services post-stay, based on the individuals identified needs
- Post-discharge follow-up support for 1-month
How do I refer?
Referrals for the Safe Beds program come from three sources only: Police (GPS/OPP), IMPACT, and regional hospitals (Guelph General, Louise Marshall, Palmerston District, and Groves Memorial). Police and IMPACT may call the Safe Beds line directly for screening prior to referral. Hospitals must complete the Hospital Referral Form and fax to Safe Beds. *Admission is voluntary – At the time of referral, staff may ask to speak with the client directly to ensure suitability and confirm desire to participate in programming.
Can I refer from the community?
At this time, all referrals must come from direct police involvement, therefore community partners cannot directly refer, and clients cannot self-refer. With only four beds, Safe Beds is a finite resource designed to help fill the system gap that exists for individuals who are engaging with law enforcement as a direct result of experiencing a substance-use related crisis. Providing a safe, supportive environment for these individuals to stabilize, access appropriate stage-matched care, and reintegrate with community will support the reduction of utilization of police and other emergency services.
