Sydney North Health Network

29/10/2026

Support built around the person

Recently, we shared Bruce’s story. Today, we share Ella’s.

At 21, Ella* had lived with suicidal thoughts since her early teens. After a su***de attempt, Royal North Shore Hospital referred her to The Way Back Support Service.

With support built around her, Ella reconnected with her community, returned to social sport and found her place back at university.

Ella is one of 665 people The Way Back supported this year. Like Bruce’s, her story shows what can change when care focuses on the person, not just the crisis.

Mental health remains a key focus for SNHN. We work with local partners so people across Northern Sydney can find the right support, close to home.

See how we are supporting our community in our Annual Impact Report 2025–26:
https://snhn.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/snhn-annual-impact-report-2026-digital.pdf

If you’re in crisis, call 000 in an emergency, or contact these 24/7 services: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) 1800 55 1800 | 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support) 13 92 76

Looking for other support? Medicare Mental Health offers free information, services and support, with no referral needed: medicarementalhealth.gov.au

***dePrevention

*Names and key details have been changed to protect the anonymity of our community

28/10/2026

Mental health support, close to home

This Mental Health Month, we’re sharing stories from across Northern Sydney. Supporting our community’s mental health is a key focus for Sydney North Health Network, because the right support at the right time can change everything.

For Bruce*, every day felt like a struggle. His mental health and the state of his home had both become too much to manage.

At the Ryde Medicare Mental Health Centre, he found support for his mental health alongside practical help, including cleaning, pest control and a Functional Capacity Assessment.

“I feel less overwhelmed, more comfortable in my home and more hopeful about managing daily activities.”

The Centre offers free support for adults, with no referral, appointment or diagnosis needed. Call 1800 595 212.


Bruce’s story is one of many. Soon, we’ll share Mia’s.

Read more stories of local impact in our Annual Impact Report 2025–26:
https://snhn.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/snhn-annual-impact-report-2026-digital.pdf

If you’re in crisis, call 000 in an emergency, or contact these 24/7 services: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) 1800 55 1800 | 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support) 13 92 76

Looking for other support? Medicare Mental Health offers free information, services and support, with no referral needed: medicarementalhealth.gov.au



*Names and key details have been changed to protect the anonymity of our community

22/10/2026

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

Women in Northern Sydney experience higher rates of breast cancer than the NSW average, yet fewer women are participating in regular breast screening.

The good news is that screening can detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
If you’re aged 50–74, a free breast screen is recommended every two years. Screening participation is particularly low among women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, making it even more important to encourage the women in our lives to get checked.

Testing is:

✅ Free
✅ No doctor’s referral needed
✅ Takes around 20 minutes

Make breast screening a priority. Book your free breast screen today: https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/ BreastScreen NSW

22/09/2026

Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but it’s not talked about nearly enough. This Dementia Action Week, Dementia Australia is asking every Australian to help change that, one conversation at a time.

To learn more about prevention, diagnosis and management, please visit https://www.dementia.org.au/

09/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day | 10 September
Su***de prevention starts with connection.

This World Su***de Prevention Day, let's help change the narrative around su***de by replacing silence with conversation, stigma with understanding, and isolation with connection.

Sadly, across our region, too many people experience declining mental health and struggle to access support when they need it most. Sarah, a mother from Northern Sydney, has a story that highlights the difference timely support can make. Her journey shows that with the right support at the right time, people can find a path forward and know they don't have to face life's challenges alone. Read Sarah's story here:https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/snhn-annual-impact-report-2025-digital.pdf =7

Across Northern Sydney, free mental health services are available through our commissioned programs, including Medicare Mental Health and a range of specialised support services designed to help people access care early and close to home. You can view a full list of available services here:https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/commissioned-services-guide-for-hps-2026.pdf

It's also why we're investing in Neighbourhood Health Hubs, focused on creating welcoming, community-based spaces that connect people to the mental health and wellbeing support they need. These hubs will be designed to make it easier for people to access timely, open-door care, ensuring support is available when and where it's needed most. See more about the Hubs here: https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/neighbourhood-health-hubs/

Let's continue to check in with those around us, listen without judgement, and help people connect with support before they reach crisis point.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
• Emergency: 000
• NSW Mental Health Line (24/7): 1800 011 511
• Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14
• Su***de Call Back Service (24/7): 1300 659 467
• Medicare Mental Health: 1800 595 212

***dePreventionDay

17/08/2026

Bowel cancer is still Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, taking more lives than breast, prostate or skin cancer. But over 90% of cases can be successfully treated if found early.

If you’re aged 45-74, join the millions who have done the test. It's free and easy to do at home.

Head to this link for more info: https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening/why-take-the-test

11/08/2026

You're Invited – Free Community Webinar

Understanding coercive control is everyone's business.

The Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network warmly invites you to join us for this free lunchtime webinar exploring one of the most significant changes to domestic and family violence legislation in New South Wales.
Presented by Todd Darvas, Solicitor and Baptist Pastor from Horizons Family Law Centre, this informative session will explain what has changed, how the new coercive control laws are being applied, and why they matter for our community.

Whether you work in health, education, community services, law enforcement, local government, or simply want to better understand this important issue, this webinar will provide valuable insights and the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A.

📎 Please see the attached flyer for full details and registration information.

Feel free to share this invitation with colleagues, friends, family and community members who may be interested.

We look forward to welcoming you online.

Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network

07/08/2026

Loneliness Awareness Week (3-9 August)

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact loneliness can have on our health and wellbeing, and to encourage meaningful social connections within our community.

Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Feeling disconnected from others can impact both mental and physical health, while positive social connections can improve resilience, wellbeing and quality of life.

Whether it's reaching out to a friend, checking in with a neighbour, or making time for a conversation with a colleague, small acts of connection can have a meaningful impact.

Learn more about Loneliness Awareness Week: https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/

Support and connection services:
• Medicare Mental Health: 1800 595 212 for free mental health information, assessment and referral services.

• Medicare Mental Health Check-In: Free low-intensity mental health and wellbeing support, available online and by phone for people aged 16 years and over. Access via Medicare Mental Health.

• Head to Health (Headstart): Find local mental health services, support groups and resources across Northern Sydney.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Together, we can help create a more connected, supportive and inclusive community.

Loneliness Awareness Week Australia runs 3–9 August 2026. This year's theme is Make Room for Connection — find ways to take part as an individual, workplace, school or community.

06/08/2026

Homelessness Awareness Week (3-9 August)
Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to call home.

Across Northern Sydney, more than one-third (35.1%) of low-income households experience mortgage or rental stress, increasing the risk of housing insecurity and homelessness.

Safe and stable housing is fundamental to physical and mental health, wellbeing, employment, education, and social connection. During Homelessness Awareness Week, we can all play a role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and sharing information about available support services.

Local Support Services
- Learn more about Homelessness Awareness Week: https://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/homelessness-week/
- Street Side Medics - Health Equity and Access Program (for people experiencing homelessness): https://www.streetsidemedics.com.au/
- Street Side Medics - Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Homelessness Service: https://www.streetsidemedics.com.au/
- Link2Home (24/7 homelessness support): 1800 152 152
- Northern Sydney Specialist Homelessness Services Directory:https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/shs-services-in-northern-sydney-district.pdf

Together, we can help create a more informed, compassionate community and ensure people know where to turn for support when they need it most.

29/07/2026

Bowel cancer can develop without symptoms or family history, so it’s important for Australians aged 45 to 74 to participate in bowel screening, even if you feel healthy.

Don't wait, test now.

To find out more, visit https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening