Social Futures is delivering the Side by Side program in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, offering free short term support for adults experiencing emotional or situational distress. The service provides quick access to compassionate, non clinical support for up to three weeks, helping people manage difficult feelings, build coping strategies and connect with longer term community supports if needed.
Social Futures is now delivering the Side by Side program in the Hunter Central Coast region, supporting adults aged 18+ in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, as one of two providers taking part in a pilot program in regional NSW.
Aimed at increasing availability of support for people experiencing distress, the newly launched program provides quick-response, non-clinical support for a period of up to three weeks, for individuals experiencing situational or emotional distress.
Social Futures Senior Manager, Suicide Prevention and Community Care, Melissa Wiseman said distress can be triggered by a range of things like health issues, grief, or self-doubt and can look different for everyone.
“This service increases the availability of community-based short-term support options for people who need support fast, but don’t require clinical emergency care.
“Some people will experience distress as feelings of overwhelm, worry or hopelessness, and need someone to talk with who can help them work through ways to manage whatever is happening in their life that is driving that distress.
“Our team is there to walk alongside people and assist them with practical skills to help cope with their distress, develop a path forward, and connect with longer-term supports in the community that can further enhance their well-being over time.
It’s natural that feelings of sadness, loss or uncertainty may accompany a sudden change in circumstances such as job loss or a relationship ending, but sometimes signs of distress can be more subtle – like noticing the things that usually bring pleasure are no longer enjoyable.
The Side by Side program offers free, compassionate support for up to three weeks to reduce distress and help people get back on track. Following the short-term support period, individuals may be linked with local services such as general health, mental health, social supports, and other practical assistance for longer term stability.
Referrals to Side by Side are made through participating Community Engagement Points, including select libraries and legal aid offices, where staff are trained in providing an immediate compassionate response for people experiencing distress. People can also contact Social Futures directly, by completing this online form or by calling 02 6617 0007.
Social Futures’ Charlestown based Side by Side service operates Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, as part of a collaborative initiative with NSW Health, funded by Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
