Community Support Services
Community Support Services are the programs and activities that influence mental health consumers, carers, and their families in the community, that is outside hospital or clinical settings. Community support services include:
- Community and neighbourhood centres
- Community health centres
- Transport services
- Older persons mental health services
- Disability services
- Respite services
- Home and domestic support services
- Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) organisations
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) organisation
- Women and domestic violence centres
Ability Links coordinators, known as Linkers, work closely with people with disability, their families and carers to support them to fulfil their goals, hopes and dreams. Linkers have strong local knowledge and work alongside communities, supporting them to be welcoming and inclusive.
Linkers can help you to:
- find ways to be a part of your local community
- set goals and plan for your future
- build confidence to achieve your dreams
- develop your existing support networks and create new networks.
Linkers work with a diverse range of people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and culturally and linguistically diverse people and communities.
There are branches in Lithgow, Springwood, Penrith and Richmond (02 8830 0768) and in Katoomba (02 8799 6700).
Target Audience
People with a disability aged 0 to 64 years and carers and families of people with a disability.
Cost
Free
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith
Referral
No referral required.
ACAT provides assessments for older people who need some help at home or are considering moving into an aged care facility. They talk with the older person about their current situation and work out if they are eligible to receive government-subsidised aged care services. ACAT is a comprehensive assessment service used to:
- Advise on appropriate support services
- Assess eligibility for residential aged care
- Identify needs
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm
AFFORD is a registered charity that offers a wide range of services including:
- Accommodation
- Community participation
- Community support
- Day programs
- Healthy lifestyle programs
- Open employment
- Respite care
- Shared living
- Supported employment
- Supported getaways
- Training and educational programs for school leavers
Target Audience
People with disabilities.
BEING Supported – Mental Health Peer Support Line is a warm line service staffed by trained and experienced Peer Support Specialists all with their own lived experience of mental health issues. If you are feeling isolated, lonely, depressed and/or anxious or simply want someone to talk to, we are here to listen with empathy and without judgement.
Target Audience
People living anywhere in NSW.
Hours of Operation
7 Days a week from 10:00am - 4:00pm & 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith
Bligh Park Community Services supports the Hawkesbury community by developing and implementing practical solutions to deal with issues that affect individuals, families and community. The services provided include:
- Advocacy
- Information
- Referral to services in the Hawkesbury and beyond
- Community phone, computer, internet and photocopying facilities
- Community Garden - free seasonal herbs and vegetables
- Friday craft group
- OMNI group
- Free counselling sessions across a range of issues
- Support groups
- Food Distribution
- Computer assistance
The Neighbourhood Centre and Tiningi Hall hosts a range of activities from a number of different organisations and individuals. These classes are run at the lowest possible cost.
Address
4 Sirius Road, Bligh Park NSW 2756
Cost
Free or Low Cost
Hours of Operation
Mon: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Tues & Wed: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Thurs & Fri: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm
Email
manager@blighpark.org.au
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
The Blue Mountains City Council have designed a website that details all the neighbourhood centres in the region. These centres provide a number of services for the community that are free or low cost. For further information please contact the centre that is near you. The neighbourhood centres in the Blue Mountains are:
- Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC) - Gardiner Cres (cnr Great Western Highway), Blackheath NSW 2785 - (02) 4787 7770
- Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre Ltd - 8 Station Street, Katoomba NSW 2780 - (02) 4782 1117
- Lower Blue Mountains Neighbourhood Centre - 33 Hope Street, Blaxland NSW 2774 - (02) 4739 1164
- Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre - 9 New Street, Lawson NSW 2783 - (02) 4759 2592
- Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative Limited - 108 Macquarie Road, Springwood NSW 2777 - (02) 4751 3033
- Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Inc - 62 Whitecross Road, Winmalee NSW 2777 - (02) 4754 4050
Local Areas
Blue Mountains
The Volunteer Home Visitor Scheme offers social support to frail aged people, as well as people with a disability and their carers, to help them keep living in their homes. The scheme's volunteers:
- Help with reading and writing letters and other tasks.
- Take residents shopping and to do errands (such as collecting and returning library books).
- Telephone residents to say hello, have a chat and make sure that they are okay.
- Visit residents and provide them with company and support.
The Volunteer Home Visitor Scheme are offered at the following neighbourhood centres. Please click on the links for further details.
- Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre
- Lower-Mountains Neighbourhood Centre
- Mid-Mountains Neighbourhood Centre
- Springwood Neighbourhood Centre
Target Audience
Frail aged people and/or people living with a disability or a relative or friend who usually looks after this person and needs a break.
Local Areas
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre is a health centre for women that provides a range of free and low cost women's health services including:
- Assessment and referral services
- Outreach programs
- Health promotion activities
- Health education groups
- Social and recreational groups and
- A women's violence advocacy service
Address
124 Lurline St, Katoomba NSW 2780
Target Audience
Young women, older women, women from a non-English speaking background, women experiencing emotional ill health, women with a disability or Aboriginal women.
Hours of Operation
9:00am-5:30pm
Local Areas
Blue Mountains
Bridges Disability Services provides recreational and respite programs for children and adults with moderate to severe disabilities living in the Hawkesbury LGA.
Address
320 George St, Windsor NSW 2756
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Carer Gateway is a national support service funded by the Australian Government. It provides free support through a network of regional Carer Gateway Service Providers. Trained workers are available to talk with you and help you find services and support to meet your needs.
Wellways Australia provides the Carer Gateway service in the Nepean Blue Mountains region.
Target Audience
All carers can access this service.
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith
Additional Information on COVID-19
In-person carer services are likely to be affected. More information is available on the Carer Gateway website. Carers can continue to access online and phone based supports via the website.
The Child, Youth & Family Support Services offers support to individuals and/or families in the community who are experiencing difficulties. They offer a range of programs and groups that fall into the following categories:
- Social groups
- Parenting skills
- Promoting resilience
- Healthy Relationship groups
- Aboriginal drop-in & information
- Positive health
- Lifestyle changes
They can also assist you to find information about and assistance with other services such as Centrelink, NSW Housing, debtors, counsellors, domestic violence and health services.
Address
Kurrajong Community Centre, 30 McMahons Park Rd, Kurrajong NSW 2758
Target Audience
Anyone residing/attending education in the Hawkesbury area. Families with dependent children 0-18 years old, supported by Child & Family Support Services. This also includes individuals and/or families with dependent children 12-18 years old.
Email
cyfs@hcos.org.au
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm (hours may vary)
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Postal Address
PO Box 220, Kurrajong NSW 2758
Referral
Referral by self, school or another service.
The CHSP is a program which provides home support for older people who need assistance to keep living independently. It provides planned respite, social support, domestic assistance and social transport. The CHSP benefits frail older people and carers through a standardised national assessment process and entry point through My Aged Care.
Target Audience
Frail aged people and their carers looking for in-home support.
Eligibility
Contact My Aged Care to determine eligibility.
Email
CHSP@health.gov.au
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:00am-8:00pm; Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
A national network of Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (CRCCs) facilitate access to information, respite care and other support appropriate to carers needs and circumstances and the needs of the people they care for. Centres can coordinate access to respite services in your local area and work with you to plan approaches to respite and other support needs, as well as help to arrange emergency respite care. The national network of CRCCs provide information about respite care options including access to respite in residential aged care facilities, carers programs, emergency and crisis respite and the young carers project. An individual's nearest centre has information about the following services in your region related to:
- A range of allied health care (eg. podiatry, physiotherapy etc.)
- Aged care homes
- Assessment, including Aged Care Assessment Teams
- Community Aged Care Packages
- Continence assistance
- Day care and therapy centres
- Disability services
- Household help
- Home modification and maintenance
- Personal, nursing and respite care
- Special services for dementia
- Support for carers
- Support groups
- Transport and meal services
Target Audience
Carers of someone who is frail aged, has a disability or chronic illness.
Cost
Free
Referral
Call to book an assessment.
Community Health Centres provide a range of services to children, young people and their families. Services provided include:
- Assessment and treatment
- Child and Family Health Nursing including home visits for all new parents
- Counselling services for children, families and adults
- Developmental screening
- Early Childhood Health clinics
- Health promotion, prevention and early detection
- Occupational Therapy for children
- Parenting groups
- Playgym
- Speech Pathology for children
- Support with infant feeding and parenting
- Women's Health
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm
Compeer is a community mental health program that aims to improve the quality of life and self-esteem of adults with a mental illness through friendship and social support. This is achieved by matching people living with mental illness (friends) with a volunteer. Volunteers and friends meet together in a public setting and enjoy planned social activities such as grabbing a bite to eat, seeing a movie, visiting a local attraction or going to a Compeer social event.
Cost
Free
Postal Address
PO Box 5, Petersham NSW 2049
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Penrith
Dianella Cottage is a harm minimisation service based in the Blue Mountains for women with co-existing drug, alcohol and mental health issues. It provides a number of services including:
- Emotional Roller Derby - A program explaining the relationship between the stress alert system and drug dependence
- Wise Woman’s Non-residential Day Treatment Program - An intensive non-residential drug and alcohol treatment program
- New Directions Transition Program - Skills development program to support recovery
- CHOICES - A psycho-education program for women transitioning from prison
- SMART Recovery for Women - A self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based support group for women
- Aftercare Programs
- Individual treatment and support
- An outreach program
- Case Management and Referral
The Black Rose Women’s Drug & Alcohol Outreach Program for Lithgow is run each Thursday and includes:
- Court Assistance – Lithgow Court House – Thursdays, 9:30am - 10:30am (call to book)
- Women’s SMART Recovery Group – Thursdays, 11:00am - 12:30pm – Red Cross Hall, Lithgow
- Treatment Planning & Individual Support – on an as required basis – Red Cross Hall, Lithgow
Target Audience
Women over 18 years old at all stages of addressing their drug use. It particularly focuses on women with mental health, drug and alcohol issues, women who are required by the courts to attend a drug and alcohol treatment service and women on opiate treatment programs.
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Lithgow
Postal Address
PO Box 1009, Katoomba NSW 2780
Referral
Referrals can be made by direct contact, or through a referral from General Practitioner (GP) or a support worker from another service. All women will go through an assessment process before they can be accepted into the program. This will consist of a face-to-face interview with Dianella Cottage staff.
eFriend is a virtual peer support service and offers befriending sessions to connect you to eFriend Peers via video call or phone call. The service is free and available to anyone feeling down, stressed, lonely, isolated or worried. Visit the link below and click 'Book first session' to start your eFriend journey.
Target Audience
People aged 18 and older who are feeling down, stressed, lonely, isolated or worried.
Cost
Free
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith
Great Community Transport provides flexible small group transport to eligible disadvantaged people living in the Blue Mountains and Penrith local government area. Trips include transport to local shopping centres, other outings and medical appointments. Great Community Transport are located in the Blue Mountains and Penrith.
Blue Mountains
31 Hay Street, Lawson NSW 2783 - (02) 4759 2403
Penrith
99 Cox Ave, Kingswood NSW 2750 – (02) 4722 3083
Target Audience
Those amongst the aged population as well as people with disabilities and their carers who can’t drive, use public transport or don’t have anyone else to help with their transport requests.
Eligibility
Call for an assessment to determine eligibility.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Penrith
Postal Address
PO Box 124, Lawson NSW 2783
The Hawkesbury City Council has compiled a detailed description of the 18 community centres and halls in the Hawkesbury. Community centres vary in size and the facilities that they offer, however each centre provides services and activities that appeal to a broad cross-section of the community such as:
- Casual hire for functions, meetings, and conferences
- Classes and seminars for adults and children on a range of topics
- Recreational activities for adults and children
- Regular hire for clubs and other community groups
Please visit the link provided to explore the community centres in the Hawkesbury.
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury Neighbour Aid is a home visiting service for people with a disability, frail aged people and their carers. Volunteers are recruited from the community and visit clients two hours a week on a one to one basis, with the aim to relieve social isolation and to support the person to participate within his or her own community. This can be either within the person’s home environment or while the person is accessing community services or facilities.
Services offered by Hawkesbury Neighbour Aid can include:
- transport and accompaniment to appointments within the Hawkesbury LGA
- transport and assistance with shopping
- one to one support to attend a social activity of the consumer’s choice
- assistance with banking & bill payments
- assistance with writing, addressing & posting of mail
- reading
- companionship and social support
- advocacy and support
Address
133 Londonderry Road, Richmond NSW 2753
Target Audience
People with a disability, frail aged people and their carers.
Email
neighbouraid@rcsi.ngo.org.au
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.30pm
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Postal Address
PO Box 260, Richmond NSW 2753
Heartmoves is a gentle physical activity program suitable for anyone who hasn't done any exercise in a while. You can exercise at your own pace in a friendly atmosphere. Heartmoves is run by accredited exercise professionals specifically trained in managing safe, low to moderate intensity physical activity programs.
The programs are designed to be safe for people who are managing chronic health conditions such as heart problems and diabetes, arthritis, lung and chest conditions, as well as those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, depression, etc.
Heartmoves programs are available at the following locations:
South Penrith Community Centre
3 Trent St, South Penrith NSW 2750 - Mondays 8.30am-9.30am & Fridays 8.00am-9.00am - Call (02) 4721 8520.
Floribunda Community Centre
1 Floribunda Avenue, Glenmore Park – Wednesdays 9.15am-10.15am - Call (02) 4733 1499.
Active8 Gym
Cnr of East Market Street and Francis Street, Richmond NSW 2753 - Mondays 8.30am, Wednesdays 8.30am & 11.30am, Fridays 8.30am. Call (02) 4578 3332.
Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre
17 Plateau Road, Springwood NSW 2777 - Mondays & Fridays 8.00am. Call (02) 4757 3867.
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Penrith
Cost
$5.00
Target Audience
People with stable long-term health conditions.
Kincare are in-home care specialists that provide a number of accommodation support services through a flexible combination of:
- Aids and equipment
- Assistance with coordination and transition planning
- Home modifications
- Individual funding management assistance
- Personal care and support with everyday life
- Respite
Kincare provide a number of support services including housekeeping, personal care, nursing, allied health, care coordination, connected technology, carer support, home garden maintenance, meal preparation, social connections, transport, day options, in-home accommodation and supported accommodation.
Email
mail@kincare.com.au
Hours of Operation
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Referral
Call to book an appointment.
Call 1300 733 510 Visit website
The Leep in Network is a nonprofit organisation that focuses on mentoring and training older people, and people with a disability, in accessing and using technology. They also support other nonprofits and small businesses with their Information Technology (IT) needs including training, consultancy, independent advice, social media strategy and website development. The specialist team delivers:
- Assistance to frail aged people and their carers to access services and sector support in the areas of cultural competency and volunteering.
- communityNet a comprehensive news, resources and information website for human services
- Digital services including IT mentoring, training, advice and support and website development
- The Nepean Community Care Support Service (CCSC)
- The Nepean Multicultural Access Project (MAP)
Address
688 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Target Audience
Assists older people and people with a disability in accessing and using technology.
Email
network@leep.ngo
Local Areas
Hawkesbury, Penrith
Postal Address
PO Box 63, Emu Plains NSW 2750
Lithgow Community Transport provides a number of services depending on personal needs. Destinations for transport may include shopping centres, individual social outings, doctor's and specialist appointments, hospital visits, medical treatments, hairdressers and visits to friends or family. Major services provided include:
- Individual Transport
- Social Outings
- Travel Training
- Taxi Voucher Project
Address
1/31 Railway Parade, Lithgow NSW 2790
Target Audience
Frail aged (over 65); younger people with a disability and their carers; people who are transport disadvantaged.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8.30am-2.30pm
Local Areas
Lithgow
Postal Address
PO Box 231, Lithgow NSW 2790
Lithgow Information & Neighbourhood Centre (LINC) operates the community cottage that includes a number of services including:
- A meeting space for community groups and functions
- A number of disability services
- Adolescent and family counselling
- Central West Families NSW
- No interest loans
- Overnight respite care
- Youth groups
Address
1 Padley St, Lithgow NSW 2790
Local Areas
Lithgow
LWCCC provides a range of services aimed at being flexible and based on the individual needs of each family. These services include:
- Risk assessments and safety planning to stay in your home or if needed emergency and transitional housing or help to find other temporary and safe accommodation.
- Help with information about domestic violence, relationships, parenting, sexual assault, child abuse, housing, or other difficulties.
- Referrals and assistance to work with other support agencies.
- Practical support Eg: improve security in current home, secure independent accommodation, manage debts, access legal services or medical assistance, court support.
- Emotional support: our staff are here to support you and your children, we have a counsellors on staff who are aware of the trauma resulting form domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault.
- Case Management: we can assist you in making the changes needed to live your life the way you really want to.
- Groups for children and women such as children's art and music groups, and women's craft and social groups. Contact 6351 2230 for more information.
Email
lcpinc@bigpond.com
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Local Areas
Lithgow
Postal Address
PO Box 438, Lithgow NSW 2790
My Aged Care is a website and contact centre established by the Australian Government to help people navigate the aged care system. My Aged Care helps people find government-funded aged care services for older people in the community. My Aged Care provides information about:
- Assessment criteria and eligibility for services
- Costs of your aged care services
- Different types of aged care services
- How My Aged Care understands aged care needs and help them find local services
My Aged Care provides a number of services helping older people stay in their own home when transitioning from hospital, when attempting to find a residential aged care home or for carers searching for respite care.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria to access services are available through the My Aged Care portal.
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:00am-8:00pm Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
My Health Connector is a free online directory that features over 433 local health and lifestyle services. The content has originally been developed for the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains region.
Health service providers, support groups, and other community organisations who provide services for the community are encouraged to add information about their service to this directory.
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury
Alzheimer's Australia is the peak body for people with dementia and their families and carers. They offer a number of services including:
- A helpline
- Counselling
- Education and community awareness
- Information and resources
- Recently diagnosed information sessions
- The living with memory loss program
- The safely home program
- Younger onset dementia program
Address
Macquarie Hospital - Building 21, Gibson-Denney Centre, Cnr 120 Coxs & Norton Roads, North Ryde NSW 2113
- Reducing stress from symptoms
- Managing medication and allied services
- Daily living and self-care skills
- Social skills and confidence
- Reconnecting with family and friends
- Pursuing education and developing new vocational skills
- Exploring employment and volunteering opportunities
- Community connections
- Holistic wellbeing
- Participating in community activities
- Improving physical health
- Gaining a greater level of independence
NADO is a community-based charity that supports people with disabilities, their families and carers. They provide a number of support services including:
- Accommmodation and respite
- Carer support and information
- Day programs
- Social and recreational support
Address
66 Station Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Target Audience
Adolescents and adults from 12-65 years who have a disability.
Email
info@nado.org.au
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Penrith
Nepean Blue Mountains Families, Friends and Carers Webpage directs people to respite services in the Nepean Blue Mountains region. This webpage directs people to respite services including:
- Emergency respite arrangements
- Information
- Regular planned respite
- Special events
- Support
Nepean Community Neighbourhood Services (NCNS) provides quality programs to support disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the local community to enable strength, inclusion and respect. Programs offered at NCNS include:
- Child and Family Programs
- Closing the Gap
- The Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre
- Casework and Family Support
- Parenting programs
- Community Development
The Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre in Cranebrook is the hub for a large range of Aboriginal support and community programs offered by NCNS. Youth, family support and community programs are run through centres at Glenmore Park, South Penrith, Kingswood Park & Cranebrook.
Locations
South Penrith
3 Trent Street, South Penrith NSW 2750
(02) 4721 8520
Cranebrook
Hosking Street, Cranebrook NSW 2749
(02) 4729 0442
Kingswood Park
66B Illawong Avenue, Penrith NSW 2750
(02) 4721 0507
Koolyangarra
1 Kington Place, Cranebrook NSW 2749
(02) 4729 3907
Impingar
71 Henry Lawson Ave, Werrington County NSW 2747
(02) 4702 6488
Email
info@nepeancommunity.org.au
Postal Address
PO Box 7599, South Penrith NSW 2750
Nepean Multicultural Access Inc. is a non-government organisation which provides information and settlement services to migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants during the first 5 years after their arrival in Australia. With outreach work being conducted from Kingswood TAFE, Lawson and Windsor, NMA provides face-to-face services by appointment including:
- Information and referral services
- Information sessions and educational programs
- Migrant advice
- Supported groups in many langauges
Address
Building 5, St Marys Community and Cultural Precinct, 29 Swanston St, St Marys NSW 2760
Target Audience
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals in Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith.
Nepean Neighbour Aid provides social support for clients in their homes, as well as taking clients out into the community. It aims to assist clients to remain living independently to delay inappropriate residential care.
Address
106/114-116 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Hours of Operation
Mon-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Local Areas
Penrith
Northcott is a non-profit disability support service provider that helps people with disabilities, their families and carers. Northcott offers different services across the region including accommodation, employment, life skills, recreation, respite, equipment, technology and family support streams. Northcott in the Nepean Blue Mountains can be found in Penrith.
Address
30 Belmore St, Penrith NSW 2750 - (02) 4720 4400
Suite 8 & 9 8-10 Castlereagh Street, Penrith NSW 2750 - (02) 4724 4600
Target Audience
Children and adults with physical, intellectual and rare or lesser known disabilities and their families and carers.
An organisation that works with refugees, asylum seekers and people from refugee-like backgrounds who have experienced torture and have suffered traumatic events. They provide a holistic range of services including:
- Activities for young people
- Advocacy on refugee issues
- Community development projects
- Community liaison and consultation
- Counselling and therapy
- Group work
- Lobbying
- Referral and case maangement
- Training
- Lobbying
They have outreach at:
- Penrith - Soper Place, Penrith - (02) 4732 9400
- Katoomba - Counselling and group once a fortnight
- St Marys - 29 Swanston St, St Marys - (02) 9833 2416
Target Audience
Refugees, asylum seekers and people from refugee-like backgrounds who have experienced torture and have suffered traumatic events.
Email
startts@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Penrith
PATH Inc. is a community based information, support and advocacy group with a number of funded and unfunded activities for people with disabilities. PATH Inc. provides face-to-face support for persons with disabilities, families and friends through:
- Carers Dare to Care Support Group
- Equipment Pool for Children with Disabilities (EPIC)
- Inclusive recreation
- PATHWAY newsletter
- Penrith Valley Autism Support Group
- Resource library
- The IT Club
DARE TO CARE is a subcommittee of community members seeking to obtain more opportunities for respite for people with disabilities and their carers.
Address
114 Henry St, Penrith NSW 2750
Target Audience
People with disabilities and their families and carers.
Email
path@path.org.au
Local Areas
Penrith
Postal Address
PO Box 1288, Penrith NSW 2751
The Penrith City Council website provides links to a range of neighbourhood facilities that can be used for meetings, group activities, cultural gatherings, celebrations, private events and functions. This website provides information about:
- Community centres
- Halls that are available for hire by the community
- Neighbourhood centres
- Seniors centres
- Youth centres
The Nepean Community and Neighbourhood services website provides a link to all the community and neighbourhood centres in Penrith. Please search these websites to find the community centre that is right for you.
Local Areas
Penrith
A regional organisation of, and for, people with a diverse range of disabilities living in Penrith and the surrounding local government areas. Services include providing information, referral & advocacy for people with all kinds of disabilities.
Address
114-116 Henry St, Penrith NSW 2751
Email
info@pdrc.org.au
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm
Local Areas
Penrith
Postal Address
PO Box 185, Penrith NSW 2750
The Penrith Women's Health Centre provides health services that address all aspects of women's lives. In an attempt to enhance a woman's existing strengths and skills, the Women's Health Centre provides:
- Counselling
- Group activities
- Refugee and migrant programs
- Domestic violence programs
- Massage
- Access to health practitioners
Address
Cnr Station and Henry St, Penrith NSW 2750
Target Audience
All women in the Penrith LGA.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9.30am to 4.00pm
Local Areas
Penrith
Peppercorn Community Transport provides transport for frail older people and others in need, as well as people who live in geographically isolated areas with no access to transport. Services include:
- Shopping Trips: Passengers are taken to local shopping centres for 2-3 hours of shopping. Bus drivers help with shopping bags and parcels (Mon,Tues,Thurs)
- Shuttle Bus: Provides transport to a variety of local destinations including hardware stores, hairdressers, libraries, Centrelink and nursing home visits (Fri)
- Social Access: Provides transport to attend social groups and activities including the Hawkesbury Seniors Leisure & Learning Centre.
All services are door to door and include wheelchair access.
Address
320 George Street, Windsor NSW 2756
Target Audience
Frail older people, younger people with a disability and their carers, transport disadvantaged.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria applies.
Email
transport@psinc.com.au
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Referral
Phone the office to book an assessment.
QLife is a nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI). QLife provides nationwide:
- Early intervention
- Peer supported telephone
- Web based services
Target Audience
People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI) experiencing poor mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered and/or other social determinants that impact on their health and wellbeing.
Email
ask@qlife.org.au
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
7 days a week 3:00pm-12:00am
Richmond Community Services Inc. is a community hub that offers a number of services to the Hawkesbury Community including:
- Family support: support for families under stress or crisis with dependent children
- General support for the community
- Neighbour aid: home visits for the frail, aged, people with a disability and their carers
Address
20 West Market St, Richmond NSW 2753
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Postal Address
PO Box 260, Richmond NSW 2753
The Aftercare Social Connection Hub is a great place to access information, have a chat, a cuppa and discover what's on in the community and access information on other support services and the NDIS.
The Hub is a safe place to build self-esteem, new interests, hobbies, friendships and connections to community.
Address
40 Main St, Lithgow NSW 2790
Opening Hours
Tuesdays from 10:00am-2:00pm
SMHSOP provides assistance to clients over 65 with mental health problems who require assessment and treatment. All referrals to SMHSOP are made through the central access line.
Address
Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Nepean Hospital, Corner Parker and Derby St, Penrith NSW 2750
Target Audience
People with mental health problems who are aged 65 years or older.
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
24 hours, 7 days a week
Local Areas
Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith
Referral
All referrals strictly through the mental health access line.
The Springwood Drop-In Centre provides individual, children’s and family counselling as well as financial and problem gambling counselling free of charge.
Financial counsellors provide information, options, support and advocacy to people experiencing financial difficulties and assist them to take control of their financial situation. All counselling staff hold professional qualifications, uphold privacy and confidentiality, do not judge and do not dictate what clients should do.
Address
Shop 3, 163 Macquarie Rd, Springwood NSW 2777
Target Audience
Everyone
Eligibility
No eligibility criteria.
Email
springwood@ccss.org.au
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:00pm
Local Areas
Blue Mountains
Thrive Services (Blue Mountains Family Support Service) offers support to families and individuals in the Blue Mountains community who are experiencing difficulties. They offer a range of programs and groups that fall into the following categories:
- Advice and case maanagement
- Parenting support and information
- Information, advocacy and referral
- Playgroup, school holiday activities, children and parenting groups
- Utility bill assistance
- Emergency relief food cards
- Fresh fruit, vegetables and bread
Address
2 Station St, Katoomba NSW 2780
Target Audience
Families and individuals living in the Blue Mountains.
Eligibility
Families and individuals living in the Blue Mountains experiencing financial difficulties or family/parenting issues.
Email
info@thriveservices.org.au
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:00pm
Local Areas
Blue Mountains
Referral
Referral through giving a call, speaking with workers or by email.
Thrive Services (Blue Mountains Family Support Service) offers support to families with dependent children aged 0-18 years in the Lithgow community who are experiencing family/parenting difficulties. They offer a range of 0-18 years in the Lithgow community who are experiencing family/parenting difficulties. They offer a range of programs and groups that fall into the following categories:
- Advice and case management
- Parenting support and information
- Information, advocacy and referral
- School holiday activities, children and parenting groups
Address
261 Main Street, Lithgow NSW 2790
Target Audience
Families with dependant children aged 0-18 years living in the Lithgow area.
Eligibility
Families living in the Lithgow area experiencing family/parenting issues
Email
info@thriveservices.org.au
Cost
Free
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:00pm
Local Areas
Lithgow
Referral
Referrals can be made by giving a call, speaking with workers or by email.
A Translating and Interpreter Service (TIS) for people who do not speak English. The operator connects a person to an interpreter who speaks in their langauge and explains one's enquiry. They provide:
- ATIS Voice automated voice-prompted immediate phone interpreting
- Illegal Maritime Arrival (IMA) interpreting
- Immediate phone interpreting
- On-site interpreting
- Pre-booked phone interpreting
Twenty10 is a community-based, non-profit, state-wide organisation, working with and supporting people of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities, their families and communities. They provide:
- Accommodation
- Information, referrals, support & advocacy
- Case management
- Community education and school support
- Counselling
- Drop in
- Family support services
- Groups and projects
- Regional & rural support
- Specialised training and support for service providers
- Telephone support
Address
Level 1, 45 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Target Audience
People of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities, their families and communities.
Email
info@twenty10.org.au
Postal Address
PO Box 78, Strawberry Hills NSW 2013
Wendy's Home Care provides professional carers for in-home care. Their carers can help with personal care, domestic assistance, respite and social support, aged and disability care, transport and also hospital to home support.
Email
admin@wendyshome.com.au
Local Areas
Hawkesbury
Postal Address
PO Box 90, Windsor NSW 2756
The Women's Cottage is a community based support and resource centre run by women, for women and their children, who live in the Hawkesbury LGA. They run a number of groups and activities including a drumming circle and a number of groups focusing on women's issues, particularly those who have experienced domestic violence or sexual abuse as children. The Women’s Cottage offers specialist, experienced and skills support for women who have experienced violence and abuse as well as a range of other support services including:
- Crisis support and advocacy
- Case management and referrals
- Low-cost or free counselling services
- Health relationship information
- Safety plans for leaving or living with abuse
- Support and preparation for court
- Therapeutic, social and interest groups
- A children’s play room
- Activities, courses and information for women and children
The Women’s Cottage keeps a range of information on a variety of topics including domestic violence, sexual assault, advocacy services, children’s services, courses and groups, women’s health information (including mental health) as well as information on local and regional services.
They provide a drop-in service as well as access to a women's advocacy violence emergency (WAVE) support worker.
Address
22 Bosworth St, Richmond NSW 2753
Target Audience
Women and their children, particularly when they have experienced an abusive/violent intimate partner relationships, were sexually abused as a child, or who are dealing with difficult life issues.
Eligibility
Women and children must live in the Hawkesbury LGA or surrounding areas.
Local Areas
Hawkesbury