Like the rest of Australia and all around the world, life on the Northern Beaches has changed as a result of COVID-19.
We know this has been a difficult time for our community and we’re particularly mindful of people who are most vulnerable and socially isolated.
We’ve been working to ensure our community stays connected and gets the services they need.
Call Lifeline for help - 13 11 14
Lifeline is open 24 hours a day. Call trained counsellors to talk about anything at anytime - 13 11 14
Find out more - https://www.lifeline.org.au/
In an emergency or if life is in danger, call 000
Meals on Wheels
Our Meals on Wheels service delivers nutritious, low-cost meals to seniors. Call us directly on the number below to arrange last-minute meals for yourself or loved ones. The service is offering non-contact service with wellbeing checks conducted over the phone.
Please call 8495 5010 between 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri.
Email mow@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Library services
All library branches (apart from community libraries) will open from Monday 11 October, Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturdays 10am - 1pm, with reduced capacity.
Library 2U will be replaced with a Click and Collect service.
Mental health and wellbeing
It’s understandable that you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, distress and concern.
Our mental health and wellbeing pages include crisis hotlines and local services to reach out to for support, as well as useful resources and tips to help look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Council held a free wellbeing webinar series where we heard from a range of local experts sharing tips and information about our local support services to help you and the people around you live well. Recordings of each webinar are available.
Adolescent and family counselling services
Our counselling services are still being held as online and phone sessions.
Multicultural information
Support is available at NSW Multicultural Health Communications Service or refer to COVID-19 resources in many languages.
Refer to Cultural Diversity for more information on local services.
Online religious services
Check this listing of online religious services to see if your local place of worship is offering online services. They are here to help you remain connected to community and to your faith.
Youth services
Contact our youth services team to find out about programs and support you can access online.
Local community services
There are many local community services on the Northern Beaches who are here to support you. We've put together information on what they provide and phone numbers to make it easier for you to access:
- Community Food Services
- Disability
- Seniors
- Homelessness
- Domestic and family violence
- Cultural diversity
- Support for new mothers (Australian Breastfeeding Association)
For detailed information about Northern Beaches community services, organisations and groups refer to Council's Community Directory.
Financial hardship
Council has a policy to provide assistance for ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship.
You may be eligible for a concession on the grounds of hardship. Council may also be able to assist by agreeing to alternative payment plans.
If you are having difficulty in paying your rates, you should contact Council as soon as possible to discuss the options available under Councils Rates and Annual Charges Hardship Policy.
St Vincent de Paul Society offers Financial Support for assistance with bills and material aid and a No Interest Loan Scheme. Please call 13 18 12.
Working with community groups
Our staff have connected with groups such as Community Northern Beaches and all Not for Profits and NGOs in the area to understand their needs, identify any gaps in the current service delivery and what we can do to help.
We've also been working with local women’s shelters on how they can manage additional needs.
Extra cleansing
We continue to have increased cleaning routines, added soap dispensers to public toilets and are promoting hygiene awareness.
Community events and activities
Community events and activities keep our community healthy and connected. While many events and activities have had to be cancelled or postponed, some have moved online or other COVID-19 safe formats.
Check What's On - Online and Community Noticeboard for initiatives, helpful resources, services and events during the COVID-19 lockdown.