The Mental Health Safe Haven is set to open its doors on Friday, offering the community a free, drop-in support space.

Having worked in a clinical setting for close to a decade, Tamworth local and manger of the Mental Health Safe Haven, Daniel Creighton, said the service was designed to provide an alternative to the emergency department.

"We want to create that sense of safety where no matter what they're going through they'll have an opportunity to talk through it here," Mr Creighton said.

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"Free from judgement, free from repercussions and free from any sort of stigma."

To highlight the importance of the service Mr Creighton said it was almost impossible to find someone that hadn't been affected by suicide in one way or another.

"It's something that impacts a lot of people and there's a lot of stigma and judgement attached to it," he said.

The haven is only open on the weekends - a decision that was made for an important reason.

"The 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday services aren't available, while they do an amazing job the weekend is a rough time for a lot of people."

The haven will be staffed with peer workers during opening hours, who are trained to offer empathy, understanding and comfort.

"We try to have peer workers from as many different backgrounds as we can," Mr Creighton said.

"The more variety we have here, the more chance we have that there will be someone they can connect to."

With no need for a referral, or to meet any set criteria, Mr Creighton said when the doors are open anyone is more than welcome to come in.

"If there's anyone out there dealing with any form of mental distress or suicidal ideation, just know that there's people out there willing to help."

As there's no formula for tackling mental health, Mr Creighton said the space had been designed to cater for as much as the community as possible.

The haven features a de-escalation room with a massage chair, low lighting and soft music, a family therapy room, and activity spaces included games and pool tables.

The haven is one of 20 being trialed around the state as part of the state government's 'Towards Zero Suicides' strategy.

Mr Creighton said all levels of the community had been involved with designing the space, from health and educational clinics, medical services and individuals at the forefront "who sit up to all hours of the morning making sure their loved one sees the sun come up".

The haven is not able to give clinical advice and will aim to refer patients to other services to get them the help they need.

The safe haven is open Friday to Sunday from 4pm until 9pm and is located at 214 Bridge Street.

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