MIND the GaP Partners
- Shoalhaven City Council
- University of Wollongong
- Coordinaire
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
- Lifeline South Coast
- Lifeline Research Australia
- Noah's Shoalhaven
The Shoalhaven City Council covers 4,531 square kms from south of Gerroa to North Durras on the coast, including 165 kilometres of coastline. Our population has a strong sense of community, a desire to help one another, is friendly, welcoming and caring.
Council's mission states that, "We will work together in the Shoalhaven to foster a safe and attractive community for people to live, work, stay and play; where sustainable growth, development and environmental protection are managed to provide a unique and relaxed lifestyle."
With a population of just over 102,811 living in 49 towns and villages the Shoalhaven is thriving. Between 2016 and 2026, the age structure forecasts for Shoalhaven City indicate a 13.5% increase in population under working age, a 21.6% increase in population of retirement age, and a 3.3% increase in population of working age. Our community needs not only a healthy lifestyle but a healthy community.
We welcome the MIND the GaP facility to the Shoalhaven. This integrated mental health and wellbeing precinct will provide support and health care initiatives that will be welcomed in our community.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has become a benchmark for Australia's new generation of universities. It is ranked among the top modern universities in the world and has built a reputation as an enterprising institution, with a multi-disciplinary approach to research and a personalised approach to teaching. * Ranked 14th in the QS Top 50 Under 50 Rankings 2021
UOW currently offers over 300 degree programs across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to more than 32,000 students around the world.
UOW is recognised as a global leader in discovery and learning and embraces both technology and practical learning to maximise student success. The University works in tandem with community partners enabling learning through immersion in the workforce and it collaborates with educators, professionals, researchers and students to inform when, how and why students learn. UOW is consistently adapting to changing workforce needs and new industries, offering face to face learning, distance education and online courses.
COORDINARE, as the South Eastern NSW PHN, works directly with GPs, other primary health care providers, secondary health care providers and hospitals to improve and better coordinate care across the local health system for patients requiring care from multiple providers or at risk of poor health outcomes.
Mental health and suicide prevention is therefore a key priority COORDINARE. The organisation is currently involved in the Mind the GaP initiative, as well as the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative which consists of representatives of more than 30 significant organisations, all working together to address the unacceptably high rates of suicide within the region.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) covers the area from Helensburgh to North Durras and services a growing population of over 400,000 residents.
Our purpose is to provide best practice health care and programs that promote the health and wellbeing of people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.
ISLHD is one of the region's largest employers with a workforce of more than 7,300 employees across eight hospital sites and community health services.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Somewhere in Australia, there is a new call to Lifeline every minute.
Lifeline South Coast was established in Wollongong in March 1969 and the Nowra branch was opened in 1981. The service is non-denominational, and Volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters come from a wide range of backgrounds. Our service area spans the coastal strip between Helensburgh in the north to the Victorian border in the south. Last year, we answered over 23,500 calls on the crisis line.
Lifeline South Coast operates five crisis support phones from Wollongong on the 13 11 14 Crisis Support service.
Our Lifeline Shops and Big Book Fairs ensure the financial viability of this vital service into the future. Lifeline South Coast's Financial Counselling service operates in the Shoalhaven and Kiama Local Government Areas and offers free and confidential support to those in financial distress.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Somewhere in Australia, there is a new call to Lifeline every 30 seconds.
Lifeline South Coast was established in Wollongong in March 1969 and the Nowra branch was opened in 1981. Our service area spans the coastal strip between Helensburgh in the north to the Victorian border in the south.
Last year, we answered over 30,000 calls on the 13 11 14 and related crisis lines. Lifeline South Coast operates five crisis support phones from Wollongong and four crisis support phones from MIND the GaP. The service is non-denominational, and Telephone Crisis Supporters come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Lifeline South Coast also provides financial counselling services from MIND the GaP and outreach locations throughout the Shoalhaven and Ulladulla. This is a free and confidential service provided by fully qualified professional staff to support those in financial distress.
Training in suicide prevention and awareness, domestic and family violence, mental health and accidental counsellor is provided throughout our service area to organisations and individuals.
Our Lifeline Shops (Wollongong, Corrimal and Nowra) and Big Book Fairs ensure the financial viability of this vital service into the future.
Noah's Inclusion Services is a community-based, NDIS registered Service Provider, not for profit organisation. Our vision is to create a community where every child belongs and is given every opportunity to thrive.
Since 1981 we have been working with children of all abilities and their families to provide excellence in early childhood education, therapy and support.
We provide therapy, education and support for children, young people, their families and carers so they are included and can participate meaningfully in their home, early childhood centre, school and community.