SAFEWARDS
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Safewards is a model and set of interventions designed to reduce conflict and containment (restrictive practices) in psychiatric in-patient settings. It was developed by Professor Len Bowers and his team at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London. The Safewards model is based on the idea that conflicts (such as aggression, self-harm, or medication refusal) and containment (such as seclusion, restraint, or enforced medication) arise from the interaction between staff and patients, and can be reduced by improving the quality of these interactions.Â
Building upon her lived experience as a mental health nurse, our resident expert Lisa Spong has spent over 10 years helping institutions across Australia adopt Safewards through in-person training and consultancy. Lisa has also been a prolific advocate for Safewards, speaking at various conferences around Australia and was co-chair of the Safewards Victoria Community of Practice for 7 years.​
OUR CLIENTS
FEATURED COURSE
SAFEWARDS FOR GENERAL HEALTH
LISA SPONG
Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge of the Safewards model, tailored specifically for nurses and security staff in general health settings. This online course provides practical strategies to proactively reduce conflict and aggression, fostering a safer environment for both patients and staff.
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OUR SAFEWARDS SERVICES
TRAINING
Get a head start on Safewards implementation with our immersive in-person or virtual workshops, equipping your team with the insight and tools for meaningful change. Over 2–3 days or a customised schedule, we turn evidence-based strategies into practical workplace actions. Led by Safewards expert Lisa Spong, the training blends precision and real-world relevance to accelerate your rollout and strengthen patient–staff relationships.
GOVERNANCE
Our Safewards deployment framework provides organisations with a structured pathway to embed the model effectively and sustainably. We work alongside you to align existing policies and procedures, build internal awareness and advocacy, and deliver program management with robust analysis. Backed by our expert guidance, this approach lays the foundation for lasting cultural change and measurable impact.
MENTORING
We offer dedicated 1:1 virtual mentoring to support Safewards Champions in navigating the challenges and roadblocks that can arise during implementation. Our experts provide practical guidance, tailored strategies, and ongoing encouragement to keep your rollout on track. Champions can also connect, share insights, and find peer support through our free Safewards community.
GET IN TOUCH
If you are interested in exploring the deployment of the innovative Safewards model or if you are simply seeking a comprehensive refresher on its key concepts, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for more information.