Health and Wellbeing Support this Holiday Season
16 December 2025
The holiday season can be a joyful time of connection and celebration - but for many people, it can also be stressful, overwhelming or emotionally challenging. Illness and injuries can also strike unexpectedly.
COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN is reminding our community that a wide range of health, mental health and alcohol and other drug supports remain available throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including urgent care clinics, phonelines and virtual services.
Crisis options:
- Call 000 or present to ED
- Call Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 (incl. Nowra Suicide Prevention Outreach Team)
- Present to Safe Haven (Wollongong 0401 561 164 and Bega 02 6491 9214 )
- Speak to your GP about what you or your loved one is experiencing – they can offer you options for support in your local area or make a referral to someone who can help.
For service navigation, or to arrange a referral for 2 January 2026 onwards:
- Call Medicare Mental Health Phone Line 1800 595 212 excluding public holidays
- Online service finder: Find services for your patient | Medicare Mental Health
- Clinicians please visit HealthPathways: Illawarra Shoalhaven or ACT/SNSW
Virtual Services available throughout the holiday period (telehealth):
- Digital Guided Therapy (CBT for mild to moderate presentations, aged 18+)
- Virtual Psychology Clinic (for mild to severe presentations, aged 12+)
- Coping Strategies / eMHprac Help Sheet
Phonelines
National Phone Lines, including:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Mensline 1300 78 99 78
- Open Arms Veterans and Family 1800 011 046
- 13YARN (13 92 76)
- Thirrili Indigenous Suicide Postvention Service 1800 805 805
- Domestic & Family Violence – 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Alcohol and Drug Information and Support Services (ADIS) – 24 Hour free call 1800 250 015
- ADIS offers telephone counselling, information, referral and support, 24 hours a day, for anyone seeking help for their own or another person's alcohol or drug use, plus information and support for health professionals & community groups. Web Chat.
- Directions Health Services:
- Pathways Eurobodalla – 02 4474 2594
- Pathways Goulburn – 02 4824 6400
- Nana Muru Rehab and Withdrawal Service (Lives Lived Well, Nowra) – 02 6362 5337
- RESET Program Ulladulla (Mission Australia for ages 12-24) – 1800 951 123
Free urgent care clinics in South Eastern NSW. Find your nearest UCC here.
Open 8am–8pm, including weekends and public holidays:
-
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC): Corrimal, Dapto, Batemans Bay, Queanbeyan
Other after-hours health care options
- Your GP or nearest general practice (check via healthdirect.gov.au)
- Radio Doctor Illawarra: 02 4228 5522 (after hours)
- Local community pharmacies
- healthdirect medical advice: 1800 022 222
Always call 000 or attend the nearest ED in a medical emergency.
Services for Priority Populations over the holiday period:
First Nations
|
Strong Yawa 1800 953 736 |
After-hours crisis support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing high levels of distress and/or suicidal ideation, alcohol/substance abuse, or the impact of the suicide of a loved one. |
Available after 5pm Monday-Friday and all weekend. Includes public holidays. |
|
Wellmob |
Available online |
LGBTQIA+
|
Q-Life 1800 184 527 |
Call or chat online for anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships for LGBTQI+ individuals and their friends. |
Available every day including Christmas and New Year from 3pm-9pm. |
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
|
CALD 1800 648 911
|
The Transcultural Mental Health Line is a telephone service that supports people who live in NSW and who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. |
Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 4:30pm |
|
For callers who require a translating or interpreting service. Phone 13 14 50 and ask them to contact the phone number of the service you want to get in touch with below. |
Various options, see: Language Service Providers In Australia: Multicultural NSW |
People with Disabilities (Accessible services)
National Relay Service
For callers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
- TTY/Voice Calls: Phone 133 677 and ask them to contact the number you want.
- Speak & Listen: Phone 1300 555 727 and ask them to contact the number you want.
Local community options over the holiday period:
|
Service |
What’s On |
Contact / details |
|
One Door Mental Health 0401 181 657 |
At Illawarra Clubhouse 32-34 Auburn Street, Wollongong – Check-ins, cuppas, hearing voices groups, mens groups. |
PDF guide to what’s on over the holiday period. Closed public holidays only.
|
|
The Salvation Army 02 4229 1079
|
Christmas Day Brunch @ The Foundery - Port Kembla 10:00am - 12:00pm 25 December 2025 If you, or someone you know, is spending Christmas morning alone, why not join us for a festive brunch at The Foundery. Please register by 18 December, by calling us on 4229 1079 or email firstfloorprogram@salvationarmy.org.au |
Find other Christmas events by the Salvation Army in Wollongong here: LINK |
|
Lifeline South Coast
|
Registration encouraged but walk-ins welcome.
|
|
|
Food Fairness Illawarra |
Low-Cost & Free Meals Directory. Includes Anglicare in Shoalhaven.
|
Low Cost and Free Meals Directory here. |
|
St. Vincent de Paul 13 18 12 |
A range of supports for people experiencing disadvantage, providing assistance with food, clothing, everyday essentials, assistance with bills, an ear to listen, and more. |
|
|
Food Bank NSW |
An online resource containing local information to find food and meals. |
|
|
Southern Youth & Family Services (SYFS) 02 4240 4800 |
Emergency relief is available for children and young people 12 to 24 years old who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. Aid includes food vouchers, toiletries, blankets and financial assistance for paying household bills. |
|
|
Unanderra Community Centre 02 4271 2213 |
Food Relief Program Provides material aid in the form of free food parcels for individuals and families experiencing disadvantage. |
Mon – Thu 9:30 – 2:30 |
Urgent care options for non-life-threatening illness or injury
If you have a health issue that isn’t life-threatening, you may not need a trip to the ED. Urgent care and after-hours services can help with:
- Respiratory infections
- UTIs
- Minor fractures and sprains
- Wounds, cuts and burns
- Minor injuries, non-venomous bites
- Other non-emergency concerns
Other support resources over the holiday period:
- Neami National – Support Available Over Holidays
- PANDA – Help and Support During Holiday Season
- Suicide Prevention Collaborative – Local Support Over Christmas
- Lifeline Toolkit – Mental Wellness During Holidays
- Beyond Blue – Festive Stress Tips
- Healthdirect – Mental Health Helplines
- Mind Australia – Holiday Support Resources