Face-to-face services with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney are at three Northern Sydney libraries. Running out of Hornsby, Stanton and Chatswood Libraries, “Lifeline Connect” offers immediate support for those who need to talk about their lives.
Drop-ins are welcome so the community has access whenever necessary.
‘We are giving space and time for people to really share what is going on with them. It’s also delivered by people that live in the area, for community members, and that’s a special connection to have,’ says Lifeline H2HS Community Engagement Manager, Rachel Krippner.
Commonly, the issues discussed involve loneliness, mental health, and relationships. Lifeline Supporters are trained and equipped with tools to guide and offer immediate relief. After a session, which typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, though no time restraint is allocated, Supporters will refer individuals to health providers, volunteer organisations, or other resources.
‘They tend to not say “I am lonely”, they might say “I don’t like where I am living” or “I don’t get out much”,’ says Rudi Selles, Trained Lifeline Supporter. ‘After exploring, they tend to find out that it’s really loneliness and we can support them to find their own steps to connection.’
Lifeline Connect hubs offer support services in Mandarin and Cantonese.
The services operate out of Hornsby Library every Thursday from 1pm-5.30pm, out of Stanton Library every Tuesday from 3-7pm, and at Chatswood Library every Monday from 12pm-4pm. Bookings can be made online, or people can choose to walk-in without an appointment.
