As the holiday period approaches, Healthy North Coast reminds Mid North Coast and Northern NSW residents to take the time to look after your health and wellbeing, and to reach out for support if needed.
Your regular GP or pharmacy might have reduced or limited hours over the holiday period. The best way to check opening hours and bulk billing status of local services is via Healthdirect’s Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services.
“We encourage everyone to get organised before the holiday period, such as checking your medication supplies and booking appointments for the New Year”, said Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler.
“For many people, Christmas and the New Year are a welcome chance to slow down and take a break. For others, this time of year can be difficult, bringing feelings of loneliness, isolation, stress or grief. These feelings are more common than we often realise, but help is available.
“We ask that people check in on themselves and those around them, and to seek support early if things don’t feel quite right. Don’t wait until things are dire to ask for help,” added Ms Wheeler.
A wide range of face-to-face and telehealth primary health care services will continue to operate across the region throughout the holiday period:
- For FREE 24/7 health advice, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. You will speak to a registered nurse who can provide health advice, and connect you with virtual or local face-to-face GP, pharmacy or other health service appointments.
- For FREE 24/7 mental health support, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. They will guide you to the right services and supports for your needs.
There are Urgent Care Clinics in Lismore, Coffs Harbour and soon to be Tweed Heads. Healthdirect’s Service Finder has addresses and opening hours information.
For mental health, there are face-to-face Medicare Mental Health Centres on the North Coast, with locations at Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Kempsey. These are free, welcoming places to access mental health information, services and supports from qualified professionals. No appointment or referral is needed.
In addition, there are three free Safe Haven Centres in the Northern Rivers at Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah. These are caring and welcoming environments for people in distress. Simply drop in for a cuppa and a chat with clinicians and peer support workers.
If you require immediate 24/7 help, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Lifeline Text (0477 13 11 14), or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
If your life is in danger, please call Triple Zero (000).
Healthy North Coast has developed a one-page flyer with all these services, and others, helpfully laid out.
Healthy North Coast reminds the community that looking after your own wellbeing is just as important as caring for others. This holiday season, support is available, and no one has to face tough moments alone.
