If you need support, help or advice over the festive period, there are many support hotlines and services that remain open to assist this Christmas. So if you’re wondering who to call for health, domestic violence, parenting, crime or financial support, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Covid-19 Health Advice
For the most up-to-date and accurate advice on the Covid-19 pandemic, check the NSW Health website or follow them on Facebook.
If you have symptoms, get tested at a COVID-19 clinic. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/ scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste or smell. Self-isolate until you get your results.
If you need advice or have questions, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
Covid-19 Testing Clinics on North Shore
Health Services
National Home Doctor Service (13SICK)
Australia’s largest network of home visiting doctors. Request an after hours, bulk billed, doctor home visit. Booking lines are open from 4pm weekdays, 10am Saturdays, all day Sunday and public holidays.
- Phone: 13 74 25
- Website: www.homedoctor.com.au
Health Direct
Health Direct provide safe, practical health information and advice from registered nurses. It is a free service and available 24 hours.
- Phone: 1800 022 222
- Website: www.healthdirect.gov.au
Poisons Information
Has your child consumed something they shouldn’t have? The NSW Poisons Information Centre provides the latest poisons information to the public, and toxicology advice to health professionals on the management of poisoned and envenomed patients. The call centre service is available 24/7.
- Phone: 13 11 26
- Website: www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au
After Hours Chemists
Need medical supplies, but it’s late at night? We list all the chemists on the North Shore who are open longer trading hours. Click here to see the list.
Parenting Support Services
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Supporting parents on the journey from pregnancy to preschool. Get the guidance and reassurance you need about developmental and behavioural concerns from our maternal child health nurses or talk to our counsellors for emotional support.
- Phone: 1800 882 436
- Website: www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
Tresillian
Tresillian is Australia’s largest child and family health organisation providing expert parenting advice to families during the early years. They support new parents around breastfeeding and settling baby, as well as dealing with post-natal depression and nutrition.
- Phone: 1300 272 736 (
- Website: www.tresillian.org.au
Gidget Foundation Australia
Gidget Foundation Australia provides free psychological support (with a mental health plan and GP referral) to expectant and new parents who are experiencing or at risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. They have Gidget Houses in North Sydney, the Mater, North Shore Private’s Hospital and recently opened Manly.
Since COVID-19, they have moved all face-to-face appointments to Telehealth.
- Phone: 1300-851-758
- Website: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
Mental Health Services
My Mirror: Psychologist
Looking for a psychologist? My Mirror offers online psychology from the comfort of your own home or device available to adults and teens ages 13 and up – no waitlist. Sessions available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week. Book now.
- Phone: 1800 809 406
- Website: www.mymirror.com.au
Beyond Blue
Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. Specialises in depression, anxiety and suicide.
- Phone: 1300 22 46 36
- Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Phone: 13 11 44
- Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Statewide Mental Health
Provides 24 hour mental health connection and referral services and is staffed by mental health professionals.
- Phone: 1800 011 511
Suicide Callback
National service that provides free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Website: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MORE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES
Domestic Violence Support
1800 Respect
Confidential information, counselling and support service, open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
- Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7), 13 14 50 (Interpreter)
- Website: www.chat.1800respect.org
Child Protection Helpline
If you are concerned about a child and their wellbeing, you can lodge it with the NSW Mandatory Reporter Guide
- Phone: 13 21 11
- Website: www.reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au
Mensline
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. They’re here to help anywhere, anytime.
- Phone: 1800 600 636
- Website: www.mensline.org.au
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. They aim to support all people in Australia to achieve positive and respectful relationships. They are a community-based, not-for-profit Australian organisation with no religious affiliations. Their services are for all members of the community, regardless of religious belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances.
- Phone: 1300 364 277
- Website: www.relationships.org.au
Crime & Emergency Services
Police Assistance Line
This is a non-urgent services, that allows you to report a crime over the phone. Once your report is completed by a customer service representative, your information is immediately available to your local police. Types of crime you can report to Police Assistance Line include Break and Enter, Motor Vehicle/Vessel Theft, Stealing, Malicious Damage including Graffiti, Minor Traffic Crashes, Lost Property.
- Phone: 131 444
Crime Stoppers
Want to report a crime? Call Crime Stoppers to report a crime anonymously.
- Phone: 1800 333 000
- Website: www.crimestoppers.com.au
Emergency
If you are in immediate danger and need the police, ambulance or fire services, call 000. Please note, this number is only for emergencies.
- Phone: 000
NSW State Emergency Service (SES)
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to providing emergency assistance to the people of NSW 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Although they mainly cover flood and storm emergencies, NSW SES also provides the majority of general rescue effort in the rural parts of the state, such as road accident rescue, vertical rescue & bush search and rescue.
- Phone: 132 500
- Website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Financial Support
Financial Counselling Australia
Speak to a financial counsellor – non-judgmental, qualified professionals who provide information, support and advocacy to people in financial difficulty. Working in community organisations, their services are free, independent and confidential.
- Phone: 1800 007 007
- Website: www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au
