For many of us, it’s a time to finish work or school for the year and unwind into holiday-mode. Other people may find the festive season very difficult, particularly those experiencing isolation, loneliness or mental health issues. These experiences can all be heightened as we are bombarded with messages of family celebrations, gifts and holidays.

As well as this, thousands of young people may be facing big life changes over the coming months, such as starting a new school, awaiting exam results for higher education opportunities or beginning a job.

Losing the normal routine and structure of school, regular contact with friends or having to financially support themselves can make this time particularly challenging. Some young people may have less parental contact leaving them vulnerable and changes in their mental health going unnoticed.

Families and friends are key in helping a young person get support. Noticing changes and signs that something isn’t right is a good first step. Being withdrawn, not wanting to be with friends and ongoing worry or irritability are just some things to look out for.

If you need support or advice, headspace is here to help. No matter where you are, you can access help through one of our centres. There are also various resources for young people, families and friends covering different mental health issues and self-care strategies. Help can also be accessed via eheadspace.org.au providing online and telephone support between 9am-1am, seven days-a-week, including Christmas Day.

From everyone at headspace we wish you and your family a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break over the holidays.

Monday night’s Albury City Council meeting proposing an exclusion zone could end up in a community standoff, so in the spirit of the season St Matthews would like to offer a Christmas gift to Albury in the nature of peace goodwill and care for all people. 

In light of the Royal Commission report and marriage equality debate, religious organisations are not in a position to call the shots but we do have the opportunity to make a community compromise. Putting the complicated lives who are accessing the services of the Englehardt clinic in the centre of the frame rather than the ethical or religious templates or the running of the clinic will lead us to a better solution.

Albury shouldn’t sponsor a boxing ring between vulnerable people and organisations. We should be protecting privacy and security. You don’t need to be up close for prayer to be effective but you do need to be up close to intimidate.  

We would like to offer St Matthews Church and garden in the heart of the city as a safe place for people to come to pray for the issues surrounding the clinic in a situation of comfort. 

They could have prayers and speakers if they wished, there could be a place for petitions and lighting candles, and it could be specifically available. 

In this way the exclusion zone will protect the individuals and the interests of those wishing to pray will also be fully satisfied and will be honouring their good intention for the community of Albury. 

Merry Christmas, peace and goodwill.