Five ways to check in with yourself during Emotional Health Week
Illawarra residents are being encouraged to check in on their emotional well-being during Emotional Health Week, with local support services highlighting the importance of early awareness and everyday self-care. Bek Bennett, a caseworker at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, said the week was a reminder to pause and reflect. “It’s important for people to stop […]
Changing the narrative: Illawarra services shift focus onto perpetrators in domestic violence response
A new training initiative is strengthening how local services respond to domestic, family and sexual violence in the Illawarra. Workers from the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre are completing a four-day Safe & Together program designed to prioritise children’s safety and place responsibility for harm on the person using […]
Workplace leaders invited to free training on supporting employees impacted by violence
Business leaders, managers and workplace decision-makers are being invited to attend a free lunch and learn training session focused on how workplaces can better support employees experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. Held during International Women’s Day Week, the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre will introduce Workplaces for Change, a program designed to equip leaders with […]
Urgent funding call to secure a permanent women’s health service in Northern Illawarra
Women face year-long waits for vital health support as demand overwhelms Illawarra services, prompting urgent funding calls for a women’s health service in Northern Illawarra. The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is calling for NSW Government investment to establish a permanent women’s health service in Northern Illawarra, warning that rapidly increasing demand is pushing existing services […]
Abortion is legal in Australia, but access isn’t always equal. Here are the options available in NSW, and where to get confidential, non-judgmental support
Abortion is legal everywhere in Australia, but your access to it may still depend on which hospital or clinic you walk into, according to a new study. The research, published in SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, warns that some health services are refusing to provide abortion care even when it is legally permitted. This […]
Confused by aged care changes? A new guide shows older women how to navigate the system
A new independent guide by an Illawarra health expert has been released to help older women in the region navigate Australia’s changing aged care system with confidence How to Navigate the Support at Home Maze, written by Professor Kathy Eagar AM and Paul Sadlerand published in Pearls and Irritations, is designed to help older Australians […]
NSW draft policy targets abortion access barriers in public hospitals
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre has welcomed proposed changes to New South Wales Health policy that would prevent hospital managers and executives from blocking abortion services based on personal beliefs. As reported by ABC, the draft “termination of pregnancy policy directive” includes a section clarifying that conscientious objection applies only to individual health practitioners directly […]
Five gentle ways to set intentions for the New Year
The start of a new year can bring a sense of pressure to “start fresh” or to set unrealistic goals. At the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, we know that healing and growth are not about perfection or drastic change, but about reflection, self-compassion, and realistic steps forward. The Ally, counsellor at our special project, Illawarra […]
Eight tips from our team on finding self-compassion this festive season
For many people, the festive season can be particularly challenging, especially for those who have experienced trauma, violence, loss, or major life changes. While this time of year is often portrayed as joyful and connected, it can also activate memories, emotional responses, and feelings of vulnerability that are closely linked to trauma. According to the […]
Where to get support in the Illawarra over the Christmas break
The team at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre will be taking a break from December 19 and reopening with fresh new year energy on Monday, January 5. While our services are closed, we know the Christmas season can be a difficult time for many people experiencing loneliness, homelessness, domestic, family and sexual violence, or mental […]