For some, Christmas can be the most fun time of the year. For others, it can be a troubling occasion. Either through financial hardship, domestic violence or mental illness, Christmas can become the hardest season of year, and a time when some people find themselves most at risk. In fact, many Australians find Christmas very, very tough.
So, where can you turn? The good news is that in Perth, there are several organisations, and 100’s of willing volunteers. No matter who you are, what your background or what’s going on in your life, you can access help.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provide the following services:
- Emergency relief, material aid, advocacy, referral and support to people in personal and financial crisis.
- Group programmes addressing general life skills.
- Assistance to people in need at Christmas
See more at the Salvation Army website or call 1300 36 36 22
Australian Red Cross
The Australian Red Cross provides many essential services
- Emergency relief during natural disaster
- Aboriginal and community programs
- Assistance to people in need at Christmas
See more at the Red Cross website or call 03 9345 1800
St Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul Society)
St Vinnies assist with housing, health, Indigenous and Community, as well as assistance over Christmas.
Visit their website or call 08) 9475 5400
Communicare
Comunicare offers many services all year round including the Christmas period:
- Children’s Services
- Family Services
- Education and Training Services
- Employment Services
- Accommodation Services
- Therapeutic Services
- Domestic Violence Support Services
Visit their website or call (08) 9251 5777
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue helps people with anxiety and/or depression. Beyond Blue also assists parents with postnatal depression.
Visit the Beyond Blue website or call 1300 22 4636
Anglicare Family and Domestic Violence Support Services
Addresses all aspects of violence within families including therapeutic, educational and support services for women, men and adolescents.
Telephone number: 9325 7033
Family Planning & Sexual Health
Sexual health helpline and counselling service.
Visit their website or call 1800 198 205
Lifeline
Lifeline provides crisis support, for those at risk of suicide. Lifeline deals with many mental illness issues.
Visit the Lifeline website or call 13 11 14
Police Assistance Line
For non-emergency issues, you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 131 444
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER PLEASE CALL 000any time of day or night – it’s a free call and can work even on a locked phone.
As well as these well-known organisations, there are hundreds of smaller places all over Australia (from regional areas to the major cities) that offer support in a crisis. A good place to start is to visit your local community centre or local doctor, and they will most likely have a list of nearby resources. Do not worry about how much it will cost as most, if not all, of these relief organisations offer assistance for free
No one in Australia needs to suffer in silence. No matter what the problem is, or who you are, if you find yourself in need this Christmas, please contact one of these listed organisations. People are willing to help you.
Author – Rachel Boros
www.facebook.com/simplysbcreations
Rachel works as a freelance writer and proof reader. She is also full-time Mum to a very energetic toddler! With a BA in Journalism, Rachel previously worked in Marketing and Administration roles. Her “free time” is spent with the family of course, but also hiking, running, cooking, drinking good wine, and more recently, volunteering with the “100 Women Project”.
