Care spaces at events

Spaces at festivals and events where people can take time out and get help are key for making events safer. We’ve got info on running and hosting care spaces at festivals and events in Aotearoa.

Whether you’re an event organiser or interested in running a care space yourself, this website aims to educate people wanting to create care spaces at events.

For care space providers

If you’re an event organiser or venue manager, we have info to help you work with a care space to make your gigs, festivals and bars safer.

Learn more

For event organisers and venue managers

If you’re a care space provider, or someone who would like to set up a care space, we’ve got guidelines and resources to help you do so.

Learn more


What do care spaces provide?

Care spaces are areas within events or venues where people can take time out and receive peer support without judgment. That could look like:

  • A quiet space to chill out

  • Someone to talk through your experience with

  • A cup of tea and a warm blanket

  • Simple, interactive things to do with your hands to distract from overwhelming sensations

Aotearoa New Zealand is lucky to have many people working in care spaces already. These guidelines have been put together by care space organisers and staff, event organisers, venue owners, security staff, independent harm reduction representatives and Drug Foundation staff.

Who is involved in this project?