CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains services remain open and operational during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Individual offices have been closed to clients, but the service continues to operate with care and support offered via phone, video conferencing/telehealth and online. Some programs are continuing to run groups via video conference.
How to make a referral
To make an inquiry or a referral:
- call (02) 8843 2500 (Mon-Thu 8.30am-8pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm)
- email – enquiries@ccss.org.au
- website – ccss.org.au
Programs offered by CatholicCare
Houses to Homes
Transitional housing, casework and support for pregnant or parenting young women, 16-25 years old, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Blacktown/Hills Local Government Areas.
Disability Services
A service for people with a disability, it is part of the Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme. CatholicCare provides Plan Management and Home Support for NDIS clients.
We also offer employment for people with a disability by providing garden services in the community, to individual homes, schools, parishes. New gardening clients welcome.
Family Support
Family Support Service is a free service which aims to empower and strengthen parents, families, with children and young people 0-17 years of age, who are experiencing stress and/or relationship difficulties that impact on their ability to parent effectively.
Family Support is an early intervention service, our practices are evidence based, child centered and parenting focused. We provide specialised casework and counselling support to residents of the Blacktown and Penrith Local Government Areas.
Family Support Services can also provide financial budgeting support to families in need.
Financial Counselling
Financial counselling is a free service to provide information, options, support and advocacy to enable people who are experiencing financial distress to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to take control of their own financial situation.
The financial counsellor will help you:
- Review your budget and assist you in compiling a money plan to help you live within your means
- Advocate or negotiate with your creditors
- Complete or respond to court documents
- Provide information about insolvency and bankruptcy
CatholicCare is an approved EPA provider.
Problem Gambling Counselling
Problem gambling counselling is a free service that is available for people who would like to control or stop gambling. The first step is often a phone call to a counseling service or helpline.
Project Elizabeth
Project Elizabeth provides support for families or individuals that are expecting a baby, have lost a baby or who have a child between 0-3 years old.
Project Elizabeth can assist by offering:
- Counselling
- Practical support
- Information and referral to Health and Community Services Organisations
- Visits in your home, at the Centre office or another place that you feel comfortable
- An opportunity to attend groups run through the service
- Parenting strategies
Blacktown Neighbour Aid for Blacktown LGA
Blacktown Neighbour Aid assists seniors who are living within the Blacktown Local Government Area to continue living independently in their own home. Our trained Social Support Workers support, inclusion and social contact with the community through helping with shopping, medical appointments, outings, events and exercise programs.
Family Relationship Services
Family Law Counselling and Educational Support Counselling, psycho-education and support groups are offered to families, parents and their children during and after separation. The service offers a child focused approach including working with family members when there is ongoing conflict after separation.
Couple Relationship Counselling
Qualified and experienced counsellors work confidentially with couples and partners to strengthen and enrich their personal and parenting relationships. Trained counsellors are also available to facilitate an online PREPARE/ENRICH inventory with each couple or as a small group option. Psycho-educational parenting groups, designed to strengthen parenting relationships are also available.
Personal and Family Counselling and Support
Provides confidential, affordable personal and family counselling, support and psycho educational groups and workshops for all adults and children struggling with personal circumstances or life events and changes which have impacted on personal wellbeing.
Solo Parent Service and Grief and Loss Counselling and Support
Solo Parents Services provides counselling and support for those who have experienced separation, divorce or are grieving the death of a spouse or partner, whether or not they have children.
Family Relationship counselling is a fee-paying service. Fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on family income levels. Concessions are available in consultation with your counsellor at the first appointment.
Aboriginal Catholic Services (Emerton)
Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Diocese of Parramatta through comprehensive and culturally appropriate programs designed to help contribute to their social well-being and attainment of self- sufficiency. ACS is a drop-in centre conceived by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people in Emerton. A range of support is available through the centre including help with domestic violence, health clinics, working with people in prisons, mentor early release ex-prisoners and people on probation and parole.
HIPPY
HIPPY is a two-year, home based, early learning and parenting program for families with young children. HIPPY encourages a love of learning, maximises chance of enjoying and doing well at school, promotes language and listening skills and developing concentration, builds self-esteem and improves relationships between parents and children. Children work through weekly or fortnightly packs of play-based, educational activities with their parents and family.
All Saints of Africa Community Centre
All Saints of Africa Community Hub is a place where African families come together to meet, connect and participate in a variety of activities and programs. The hub provides opportunities to learn new skills, meet and connect with new people from school. Our community our hub is a warm, friendly place where everyone is welcome. Activities includes: Young Mums Group, Homework.
Springwood Drop-In Centre
Please note the Drop-In Centre is closed for people visiting on site but information for people living in the Mountains is still available by telephone. We currently have a call back service for people in need and continue to offer older residents over the phone support for technology support, we call it Digital Mentoring.
Baulkham Hills Family Day Care Centre
Baulkham Hills Family Day Care is the premier provider of Family Day Care services in The Hills District and is rated by the Australia Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), as ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standard’.
At Baulkham Hills Family Day Care, we are committed to delivering individualised education and care, for your child, in a nurturing small group environment.
Family Day Care is an affordable model of childcare and the preferred option for many families.
Chaplains
The Chaplains continue to support the Correctional Facilities (Prisons) and Hospitals.
How to make a referral
To make an inquiry or a referral:
- call (02) 8843 2500 (Mon-Thu 8.30am-8pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm)
- email – enquiries@ccss.org.au
- website – ccss.org.au
With thanks to CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.