As we head towards Christmas festivities and welcome in 2023, Country SA PHN acknowledges that these occasions can be difficult for those who are grieving the loss or anticipated loss of a loved one.
Family and togetherness are key to Christmas and New Year, and when we are missing the physical presence of someone we love, these celebrations can make us feel alone in times that once provided joy.
Grief is universal but expressed in many varying ways. Grief is not clean and tidy and there is no ‘correct’ way to grieve. Being kind to ourselves is so important during these particularly hard times.
Please keep in mind the following services are available throughout the holiday period:
Country SA Residents
Regional Access: 1300 032 186 (A free 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for people 16 years and older living or working in regional South Australia)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Online, 24/7 telephone and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention service that provides counselling, information and referrals to all Australians experiencing a personal crisis)
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (A free, private, and confidential 24/7 telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25)
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (On-Call Support & Advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year)
Free call: 1800 100 500
Webchat: dementia.org.au/helpline/webchat
Email: helpline@dementia.org.au
Health Direct- GP Helpline: 1800 022 222 for assistance (For after-hours medical advice when you cannot access your usual GP)
If you need to contact your local palliative care services over this period, please use the contact numbers below:
For more support and resources, please click here to access the Country SA PHN Palliative Care for Community Page.
Health Professional-Specific Contacts
Statewide 24/7 Palliative Care Support Line - clinician use only (dedicated support phone line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week) - 1300 673 122
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (On-Call Support & Advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year)
Free call: 1800 100 500
Webchat: dementia.org.au/helpline/webchat
Email: helpline@dementia.org.au
