Loneliness and isolation can have a serious impact on people of all ages during the festive period.
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Therefore, in the lead-up to Christmas, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative wishes to spread the word that there are plenty of support services available during the holidays.
Also, if you or someone you care about is looking to share a meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, there are free events happening throughout the Illawarra.
"Christmas can be a difficult time for some people," Dr Alex Hains, Collaborative regional manager said.
"There's pressure to feel social and happy, but many people experience stress or sadness during the holidays.
"This is especially true for those who might be remembering the loss of a loved one.
"That's why it's important to check in with yourself and others - including family, friends, colleagues or neighbours - and see how they're going."
According to the Collaborative, older people and people experiencing homelessness or family conflict are particularly vulnerable.
Therefore, the following free events are happening:
*Christmas Eve Lunch at Sublime Point. On December 24 from 11.30am to 2.30pm at Sublime Point lookout.
Bus pick-up from various points at 10am (contact the Illawarra Drug & Alcohol Service reception for details).
*Christmas Day Brunch at Darcy House. On from 9am to 10.30am at Darcy House, Lot 1, Old Port Road, Port Kembla. This is a Christmas Day Brunch hosted by Need a Feed at Darcy House. Kids welcome.
*Christmas Day Brunch at Ratha's Place. On from 10.30am to 12pm at 84 Central Avenue, Oak Flats.
Families, couples and individuals are all welcome at this inclusive event.
The majority of the staff at Ratha's Place cafe in Oak Flats live with an intellectual or developmental disability.
It's run by philanthropists Faye and Blayne Webb.
Mrs Webb said they hosted the same event last year, which was well-received.
"There's lots of different reasons why people find themselves a little bit vulnerable at Christmas," she said.
"It doesn't have to be financial, it can just be that you might want some company. Whatever you want, come along and it'll be a really relaxed, lovely day."
*Christmas Day Lunch at the the Uniting Church on the Mall. On from 12pm to 2pm at 116 Crown Street, Wollongong.
Help is available
The following helplines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week*: Lifeline - 131 114; Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511; MensLine - 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800; and QLife - 1800 184 527 (for the LGBTIQ+ community, *open 3pm to midnight every day).
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
