Port Stephens crisis support services still operating during COVID-19 lockdown

Staff at both the Tomaree peninsula's Yacaaba Centre and the Raymond Terrace-based Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service (PSFaNS) continue to work behind closed doors but with open communication lines.

Yacaaba Centre manager Petra Offen said that they would continue to provide services to all current and past clients and members of the community in need as best as possible during the challenging and rapidly changing circumstances.

"We are partially funded by DCJ [Department of Community and Justice] and for this year we have been given a grant to support the mental health and wellbeing of people with mental health issues in the Port Stephens area," Ms Offen said.

"Phone or video counselling sessions are available by calling the centre to arrange an appointment. Contactless food hamper handouts are provided Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9am to 4 pm, adhering to strict COVID protocols."

Ms Offen said that visitors and clients were not permitted to enter the centre.

"Clients are requested to call beforehand and ring the doorbell on arrival. Hampers will be exchanged outdoors," she said.

"Counselling sessions are conducted via phone or video and we have appointments available."

The centre does not provide accommodation.

Information can be found at www.yacaabacentre.com.au or by phone on 4984 2176.

For the staff at the PSFaNS at Raymond Terrace, it is business as usual.

Assistant manager Ann Fletcher said that many of the support services would be available to the community remotely.

"All our services will continue except for Youth Focused Mondays and Monday Oz Harvest pick-ups. Instead Oz Harvest will be available via a drop-off. Our emergency relief as well as utilities such as energy and Telstra will be provided online with assessments done over the phone," Ms Fletcher said.

"Because things can change so quickly we will be communicating with the community through our Facebook page."

Ms Fletcher said that there had been a noticeable difference in the community response this time around compared to the initial COVID lockdown in March 2020.

"The first time I think many people were in shock and immediately went into hibernation so there was a real lull. This time people are aware of the situation and have been far more engaging, in fact our staff are being run off their feet."

Ms Fletcher said that the service was still working closely with Police in domestic violence and child protection issues. She implored people needing assistance to contact office on 4987 1331 or 49987 4674 five days a week from 9am to 5pm.

The Caring for Our Port Stephens Youth (COPSY) Jupiter counselling program for young people is also operating during the lockdown at its Salamander Bay and Tanilba Bay centres.

The service, which provides personalised counselling and early intervention health and well-being workshops, is focused on supporting young people to manage challenges in the long term.

Counselling is done via phone hook-up.

To access the Jupiter program, go to jupiter.org.au.

The Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre also continues to operate remotely, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.

"Our office in the Salamander Community Centre is closed but we are contactable via telephone on 4984 6220," said manager Georgina Scott.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing a crisis and need emergency assistance outside business hours you can phone the Salvation Army on 4982 0192 or Food Care on 4981 1852 or St. Vincent de Paul on 4981 4835. Alternatively call Lifeline 24 hour crisis support on 13 11 24.

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