Side by Side

Side by Side

Sometimes people feel overwhelmed due to their circumstances and need a helping hand to navigate the complexity of their situation. 

Side by Side provides up to three weeks of free compassionate and practical support to people experiencing situational or emotionaldistress. Support is available for adults in distress. 

Our team can assist with: 

  • Practical tips and coping strategies
  • Setting up a clear plan of steps to reduce distress
  • Referrals and connection to longer-term support services

We accept referrals from Community Engagement Points (CEPs).    

For Legal Aid staff only:

LEGAL AID REFERRAL FORM >>

For Library staff only:

LIBRARY REFERRAL FORM >>

You can also contact us yourself using our online form or by calling us. We will contact you within one business day to talk about how we can support you. 

For self-referral and all other enquiries: CONTACT FORM

Minor sitting on a large tyre on the phone, looking distressed

What is distress?

Distress can look and feel different for everyone. It’s a broad term for the emotional, mental, or physical strain you might experience when life feels too much. 

Someone might notice distress as: 

  • Feeling overwhelmed, worried, or hopeless 
  • Feeling sad or losing interest in things you used to enjoy 
  • Feeling frustrated, tense, or “on edge” 
  • Self-doubt or low self-esteem 
  • Withdrawing from family, friends, or usual activities 
  • Physical signs such as headaches, muscle tension, tiredness, or changes to sleep or appetite 

Distress can be triggered by many things, including health issues, grief and loss, relationship stress, job loss or insecurity, housing crisis or ongoing worry about events happening in the world. 

Whatever the reason, support is available. 

Have a question?

Email us: [email protected] 

Call: 02 6617 0007 

Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 

Office location: Suites 1 & 2, 48 Ridley Street, Charlestown NSW 2290

Funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network