Community Support During Christmas

Whilst we love to celebrate the excitement and happiness of the festive season, we recognise that this time of year can also be stressful and challenging for some families.

Below is a list of helpful websites and phone numbers if you require support over the holiday break, or would like to make a Christmas donation to charity.

If you are looking to donate to support services, we have listed some charities below to consider:

• The Smith Family: Providing support to families in Australia, ensuring no child misses out. To make a donation, volunteer your time, purchase a gift online, or host a toy or gift collection in your community, visit https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/
• Operation Sunshine WA: Providing sunshine packs full of essential and comfort items to children experiencing traumatic situations. These packs help relieve some of the uncertainty children face, giving them a sense of self-worth, comfort, and preserving their dignity. For more information visit the Operation Sunshine website https://operationsunshinewa.org.au/
• Perth Christmas Lunch in the Park by Mission Australia: Bringing hope, compassion and celebration to Perth’s most marginalised and disadvantaged people this Christmas. Donate a Plate from $35, and you can give someone the joy of Christmas lunch shared in the company of others. https://www.christmaslunchinthepark.com.au/ to make a donation.

If you are looking for a place to celebrate Christmas with others or in need of food, we have listed some services below that can help:

• Wanneroo Christmas Day Lunch: https://wanneroochristmasdaylunch.org.au/
• Joondalup Christmas Lunch: https://joondalupchristmaslunch.com/
• Perth Christmas Lunch in the Park: https://www.christmaslunchinthepark.com.au
• Food bank: https://www.foodbank.org.au

24-hour helplines: If it’s not an emergency and you need support, you can call these numbers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• If you are assisting someone who does not speak English, first call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50. They can connect you with the service of your choice and interpret for you.
• 1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: Phone 1800 737 732.
• Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: Phone 1800 000 599.
• Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: Phone 1800 007 339.
• Crisis Care: provides Western Australia’s after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing and information and referrals for people experiencing crisis. Phone 1800 199 008.
• MensLine Australia: Phone 1300 78 99 78.
• Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support: Phone 13 11 14.