As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to recognise many people in our community could be struggling.

While the Christmas and New Year periods are typically a time of joy, for some, the festive season can also bring feelings of sadness, stress, and loneliness.

Alternatively, you may want to start the New Year by planning self-care, speaking to someone about something on your mind, or getting advice about a loved one.

If you need support during this period, please reach out to one of the support services listed below.

 

Diocesan Support Services

The Rosewood Centre

Contact number: 1800 613 155

Website: www.rosewoodcentre.com.au

Face-to-face and telehealth fee-for-service counselling and support for the whole family.

The Rosewood Centre will be closed from 24 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, reopening on Thursday 2 January. If you need urgent support during this time, please contact one of the national support services listed below.

GambleAware Hunter New England

Contact number: 1800 497 065

Website: www.catholiccare.org.au/gambleaware

This GambleAware Service will be closed from 24 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, reopening on Thursday 2 January. For any urgent matters over this period, please contact the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. The Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone who needs help with gambling harm.

National Support Services

Lifeline

Contact number: 13 11 14

Website: www.lifeline.org.au

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

1800RESPECT

Contact number: 1800 737 732

Website: www.1800respect.org.au  

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. 

Support is available in 28 languages.

Suicide Callback Service

Contact number: 1300 659 467

Website: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services via telephone and online chat.

13Yarn

Contact number: 13 92 76

Website: www.13yarn.org.au

24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Parent Line NSW 

Contact number: 1300 1300 52

Website: www.parentline.org.au

Parent Line NSW is available to talk to about almost anything related to parenting or raising a child. They can provide advice on behaviour management, family relationships, children's development and much more. 

Counsellors will assist families to access any services or information that may be of use to their circumstances.

QLife

Contact number: 1800 184 527

Website: www.qlife.org.au

LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral, 3pm to midnight every day.

 

Children and Young People

In addition to the above services, children and young people can also reach out to the below organisations.

Kids Helpline

Contact number: 1800 551 800

Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention for children and young people aged 5 to 25.

headspace

Contact number: 1800 650 890

Website: www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace

Online support and counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 from 9am to 1pm every day.

Youth Beyond Blue

Website: www.beyondblue.org.au

Youth Beyond Blue is a mental health support for children between 12-25.

The Youth Directory

Website: Youth Refuge Directory (NSW) — Caretakers Cottage

The Youth Directory is a free directory for crisis accommodation services for teens in NSW.  The directory includes up-to-date contact details for all crisis accommodation services for young people under the age of 18, as well as contact details for Child Protection Services (Family and Community Services, Juvenile Justice, Police Youth Liaison Officers). It is free and can be ordered here - Youth Refuge Directory (NSW) — Caretakers Cottage

If you have immediate concerns relating to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person, it is important to make a report to the Department of Communities and Justice on 132 111. In addition to the reporting requirements by law, reports and concerns are also to be made to the Office of Safeguarding - https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook.