Community wellbeing

Shire Wellness Services

The Shire has established Wellness Services to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this, we are making phone calls to check in with community members who may be struggling at this time.

Register a vulnerable person

If you know someone who might benefit from this service, you can confidentially register them here and we will follow up to ensure they have the supports in place that they may need.

Also see our Unemployment Information Sheet, for local contact information.

What else you can do

There has never been a more important time for our community to stick together. We all have a role to play in helping each other right now. Things you can do:

• Check in on your neighbours in a safe way, share phone numbers and help each other out where you can. Use these neighbourhood postcards or start a phone tree using one of our templates. 
• If you’re part of a group that can help or have an idea, let us know about it!
• If you’re not connected with a community group, but you are keen to volunteer your time to help others, you can register online here or contact us to discuss options.

Connect with us by emailing recovery@amrshire.wa.gov.au  or phone (08) 9780 5255.

Mental health 

The COVID-19 situation may see community members experiencing social isolation, economic uncertainty and emotional distress. If you are concerned about yourself or others we encourage you to: 

• Visit your Doctor/GP or local hospital
• Refer to the Shire's Mental Health Factsheet, which includes a collated list of local contact information and helplines
• Red Cross 'Telecross' can provide daily telephone call to check on older people who are home alone wellbeing at home
• View the Australian Psychological Society mental health resources that specifically address coronavirus anxiety via their website. 
• View the Life in Mind has established Mental health support for COVID-19 webpage which provides vital connections to resources designed to support the wellbeing of those experiencing an indirect or direct impact from COVID-19
• View the Think Mental Health website and use the check-up tool.

Community Health Network Group

The Shire hosts the AMR Community Health Network Group - a forum for local social services and health professionals to connect and share information. Contact amr-community-network-group@googlegroups.com

Local health contacts

My Community Directory provides a free online directory for local health services and community groups. Visit the directory at www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/mycommunitydirectory.

Local health contacts include: 

• Margaret River Surgery – 97572766
• Margaret River Medical Centre – 9757 2733
• Margaret River Hospital – 9757 0400
• Local Counsellors and Mental Health Care Providers 

The following aged care and disability support services are available in Augusta Margaret River:

• Baptistcare - phone 9282 8600
• BESS Home & Community Care - phone 9757 2333
• Leeuwin Frail Aged Lodge Inc - phone 9758 3279
• Mirrambeena - phone 9758 9600
• Disability Services Commission - phone 9758 7284

Emergency relief assistance

• Assistance for urgent food, fuel or pharmacy support is available at the Margaret River Community Centre, who offer a Shire wide service Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm.
• Guidance for those experiencing housing stress is available through Justhome who are based at the Margaret River Community Centre, phone 0431 150 836
• St Vincent de Paul also offer emergency relief across WA and can be contacted on 1300 794 054.
• Free Financial Counselling - Money Smart
• St Vincent de Paul – 6323 7500
• Communicare – 6370 1000 
• Apply for JobSeeker allowance (old Newstart) 
• National debt helpline - 1800 007 007

Support after trauma

When a local tragedy occurs, the effect on those touched by it, families, friends, communities is traumatic. Please see below for resources and support services that may assist.

24/7 helplines:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• Rural Link on 1800 522 002
• Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 198 024
• 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

Resources: Helping yourself after a traumatic event

• Looking after yourself after a crisis - Australian Red Cross
• Typical reactions to a disaster - Australian Red Cross
• Helping yourself after a traumatic event - Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health

Resources: Helping children after a traumatic event

• Tips for talking with Kids - Australian Red Cross
• Helping children and young people cope with crisis - Australian Red Cross
• Guidelines for parents, caregivers and teachers - Australian Psychological Society
• Trauma and children - Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health

Resources: Helping friends/family after a traumatic event

• Helping a friend or family member after a traumatic event - Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health

Resources: Further information

• Australian Red Cross
• Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health
• Waratah - Support for Domestic Violence
• Angel Hands - Support for extreme trauma