Support is now a phone call away.

The Wagga Women’s Health Centre has been providing free counselling and support services for women in the Wagga Wagga district for almost 40 years.  

Recently they have secured funding to be able to offer extended after-hours telephone counselling and crisis support on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

The service is available between the hours of 6pm and 9pm on those two evenings.  

“This means that women who are in more rural or remote locations can access support when they need it most,” crisis and support worker Julie Mecham said.

This program is available to women in southern NSW – including as far south as Albury, and up to Leeton, Griffith and Young.

“So there are minimal out-of-pocket expenses for people accessing this service, we are able to return calls,” she said.

This program has been made possible by funding from the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network Program. 

The centre’s usual weekday operations will be closing on Thursday, December 20 and reopening Monday, January 7.  

During that time, Ms Mecham said the centre would continue to provide after-hours services on weekends and public holidays, except Christmas Day.

Those times are: Saturday noon to 7pm; Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm, and public holidays 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Please note, Boxing Day will be telephone access only.

“Remember this is not always an easy time,” Ms Mecham said.

“Families can be put under enormous strain from the financial burden, to excessive alcohol, to feeling unsafe around family or friends.

“Give yourself permission to follow what’s right for you and take some time to nurture you.”  

For counselling, support, referrals or information please phone the centre on (02) 6921 3333. 

Wagga Women’s Health Centre is located at 22 Peter Street, Wagga.

Visit www.waggawomen.org.au for more information.