Please know that SSFS is still operating and supporting children, young people and families in the community. The health and wellbeing of both our staff and clients is our priority, and therefore this support is now via phone, video conference and online groups. Face to Face support has been suspended until further notice.

We continue to follow all Australian and NSW Government and World Health Organisation advice regarding our business operations and internal practices in light of the emerging COVID-19 (otherwise known as the Corona Virus) escalation.  As at today's date - Wednesday 25th March, 2020 - our current program and service availability is as follows:

Still open.. but with some changes in place.

* Sutherland Shire Family Services is still open to support the community with normal business hours being observed.

* We are taking new referrals, which can be made via our website, or via phone on 9528 2933.

* All staff are continuing to provide support to clients, although the way this support is being provided is now via phone, video conference and online groups

* Our Group Support Programs will now be delivered online.

* Our Toolbox Talks Program continues to operate, with an increasing focus on online delivery of domestic violence training. 

* The Engadine District Youth Services (EDYS) Drop in Service was temporarily suspended from 17.3.2020. Young people can still access individual support from our Youth Workers via phone, video conference and online via our social media pages.

* Our Love Bites Sessions in schools have been postponed until further notice. This is due to Department of Education guidelines for non-essential group gatherings.

* Our Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services have modified delivery so we can continue to respond to referrals from Police and advocate for and support women via phone support. Safety Meetings are now being held by video conference.

* Our Playgroups (Koori Kids and Supported Playgroups) are temporarily suspended, but participants are being supported online and via phone calls - please call us if you would like to join an online playgroups.

* Our Family Support Team have already modified their delivery processes, with all support being remotely delivered.

* Many of our staff are Working from Home where arrangements allow privacy to be maintained. 

Continued Stringent Hygiene and Hand Sanitisation in Office

All staff are continuing to follow our high standards of hygiene and hand sanitisation, and anyone reporting any symptoms of feeling unwell, or caring for a family member who is, is required not to work.

Managing Anxiety around Coronavirus

The attached reference sheet from the Australian Psychological Society is a great reference sheet for families to consider. We know it's hard to avoid the news at the moment, but limiting your exposure to and discussions around these topics can help to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed by the situation. 

Managing Anxiety About COVID-19

Getting Facts, and not weighing in on rumours

In times of crisis, it's easy to get carried away with the "noise" around the situation. Everyone is or knows an expert, and what may be well intentioned advice, can become problematic if people start to rely on information which may not be true or accurate.

We encourage everyone to get their information from this page, which collates all Government Sources, and is regularly updated. 

We can all do our bit to "Flatten the Curve" - which helps our Health System cope with the expected increase of cases. Practicing social distancing is also important to help contain the spread of the virus. If you can, please stay home and limit your contact with other people.

www.dese.gov.au - Coronavirus Info Hub

We will provide further updates if the situation changes. If you have a specific question or concern, we encourage you to interact with us by calling (02) 9528 2933, or email at [email protected]