Support is available over the holidays
17 December 2024
Christmas and the holiday season can be a challenging time for many. If you’re feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or experiencing difficult emotions, you’re not alone. Neami National provides free mental health support across Australia during this period.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000. For confidential 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. Additional support services are listed below.
Support available during the holiday season
The below Neami services are available without a referral or appointment. Visit the relevant link below for opening hours and more details. See the full list of Neami services here.
Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health Centre)
A free and confidential service for people experiencing distress, feeling overwhelmed, or concerned for themselves or a loved one.
Townsville
Monday–Friday: 10 am – 8:30 pm
Weekends/Public Holidays (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day): 12 pm – 8:30 pm
32 Walker Street, Townsville, QLD
Visit Townsville Head to Health
Penrith
Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 1 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Public Holidays: 1 pm – 9:30 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
111 Henry Street, Penrith, NSW
Visit Penrith Head to Health
Darwin
Monday–Friday: 10 am – 10 pm
Weekends/Public Holidays: 12 pm – 8 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
16 Scaturchio Street, Casuarina, NT
Visit Darwin Head to Health
Geelong
Monday–Friday: 12 pm – 9 pm
Weekends/Public Holidays: 1 pm – 6 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
8 Station Street, Norlane, VIC
Visit Geelong Head to Health
Liverpool
Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 1 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Public Holidays: 1 pm – 9:30 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool, NSW
Visit Liverpool Head to Health
Port Pirie
Monday–Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Closed on Public Holidays
129 Ellen Street, Port Pirie, SA
Visit Port Pirie Head to Health
Hawkesbury
Monday–Wednesday, Friday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Thursday and Saturday: 1 pm – 7 pm
Public Holidays: 1 pm – 7 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
1-2 Musson Lane, Richmond, NSW
Visit Hawkesbury Head to Health
Urgent Mental Health Care Clinic (UMHCC)
A welcoming alternative to emergency departments for people in mental health crisis. No referral or appointment needed.
Open 24/7
215 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA
Visit UMHCC
Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local
Supports people aged 26 years and over with free mental health and wellbeing services close to home. No referral needed.
Monday–Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday/Public Holidays: 10 am – 6 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
Call: 1800 571 145
7/1 Danaher Drive, South Morang, VIC
Visit Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local
Safe Space – Strathpine
A peer-led alternative to emergency departments for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Monday–Friday: 5 pm – 9 pm
Saturday–Sunday/Public Holidays: 3 pm – 7 pm (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
Unit 6, 327 Gympie Road, Strathpine, QLD
Visit Strathpine Safe Space
Partners in Wellbeing
Provides one-on-one support for people in Victoria to improve wellbeing and develop coping strategies.
Monday–Friday: 9 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday/Public Holidays: Closed
Call 1300 375 330
Visit Partners in Wellbeing
Head to Health Phone Service
A free, confidential, and friendly phone referral service for mental and emotional wellbeing. Please note, this is not a crisis line.
Monday–Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Weekends/Public Holidays: Closed (including Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
Call 1800 595 212
Support is available, reach out if you need it this holiday season.