WELCOME TO BLACKTOWN WOMEN'S & GIRLS' HEALTH CENTRE

Women’s Legal Services NSW provides free legal advice at Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre every second Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

During the appointment, you will speak with a fully qualified solicitor from Women’s Legal Services NSW. Each appointment is 40 minutes long, and you need to bring any paperwork your have that is relevant to the matter with you.

If you need an interpreter, please advise at the time of booking. Interpreters can be arranged either to attend in person or via telephone link.

To book an appointment to see a solicitor, phone (02) 9831 2070 or you can email  info@womensandgirls.org.au Please include a contact telephone number for us to respond.

If your call is not answered, please leave a message including a telephone number on which we can contact you during business hours (9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday).

The solicitor can give you advice on a range of matters, and has special expertise in:

• Family Law (including parenting, property and child support)
• Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Assault
• Victim’s Compensation

PLEASE NOTE:

The solicitor CANNOT give advice on IMMIGRATION matters.

Some things to Remember:

• Appointments are made on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, which means that you may need to wait for several weeks before an appointment is available. If you do not make an appointment when it is available, you may be placed on a waiting list for cancellations, but there is no guarantee you will get an earlier appointment.
• When making an appointment, you will be asked a series of questions for the purposes of ensuring correct information is provided to the solicitors. This information is required before an appointment can be made. All information is held in the strictest confidence.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time, to complete registration paperwork.
• Because legal advice can be technical and make use of words and terminology which can have very particular meanings, solicitors may ask that an interpreter is used even if the client feels they do not need one. This applies for people with hearing impairments as well as people whose first language is not English. Should this be the case, the matter will be discussed with the client beforehand.
• Unfortunately, child care is not available and children are not able to attend appointments with their mother/carer. Please arrange child care prior to attending the appointment. If you are unable to attend an appointment, please contact us as soon as possible so we can give that appointment to someone else. If you do not attend your appointment without advising us beforehand, we may need to put you at the bottom of the waitlist for another appointment. If you cannot arrange childcare, a telephone appointment may be arranged for you. Please let the receptionist know when you are booking your appointment if you will need to arrange this.

If your matter is too urgent to wait for an appointment, contact the Women’s Legal Services NSW telephone advice lines or  LawAccess, a government telephone helpline which can assist with basic information about legal matters:

What if Blacktown is too far to get legal advice from where you live?

There are a number of women’s health centres who also host a Women’s Legal Services NSW solicitor. For appointment times and information, contact:

Fairfield: Immigrant Women’s Health Centre
When: Thursdays (fortnightly)
Ph: (02) 9726 4044
Address: 92 Smart Street, Fairfield, NSW 2165
Website: http://www.immigrantwomenshealth.org.au/

Liverpool Women’s Health Centre
When: Thursdays (fortnightly)
Ph: (02) 9601 3555
Address: 26 Bathurst Street, Liverpool, NSW 2170 (corner Campbell and Bathurst Sts)
Website: http://www.liverpoolwomenshealth.org.au/

Penrith Women’s Health Centre
When: Tuesdays (fortnightly)
Ph:(02) 4721 8749
Address: Cnr Henry & Station Street, Penrith, NSW 2750
Website: http://www.penrithwomenshealthcentre.com.au/

North West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (NWS WDVCAS)

North West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Support works in co-operation with other services at the Centre.

NWS WDVCAS Provides

• Information on maintaining healthy relationships
• Empowerment and self-efficacy
• Developing safety plans
• Support and advocacy
• Referrals to other relevant services

To contact a WDVCAS, call 1800 938 227 or visit their website 

About the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP) was formally established in 1995 with funding from the NSW Government. The aim of the WDVCAP is to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence to obtain legal protection through an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).

Prior to 1995 a number of Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes, as they were then known (WDVCASs), had been operating through a number of Community Legal Centres in the Sydney Metropolitan region and in parts of regional NSW. In most cases, Schemes operated without specific funding but in some cases received grants from other sources.

In 1996 26 WDVCASs were established under the Program to provide services to 37 Local Courts throughout NSW. In 2009 the WDVCAP funded 33 WDVCASs to provide services in 64 Local Courts. As services offered through the WDVCASs have developed and evolved, a change in the name for the Schemes was adopted and in 2008 they became known as Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services.

From “Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program: Principles, Policies, and Standards”, March 2009

The Blacktown Domestic Violence Forum is an opportunity for service providers from throughout Blacktown LGA to meet and share information about domestic violence, and create connections with others.

At each meeting, a staff member from the North West Sydney Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (NWS WDVCAS) will present information about the Local Co-ordination Points (LCP) and Safety Action Meetings (SAMs) support services for victims of domestic violence.

The BDVF is funded by Legal Aid NSW, Family And Community Services (FACS), Women’s Health NSW and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and is facilitated by North West Sydney Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Centre (NWSDVCAS) and Blacktown Women’s and Girls Health Centre (BWGHC).

When: First Monday of each month
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Where: FACS Community Service Centre Conference Room – 14 Prince Street, Blacktown

For more information contact BWGHC (02) 9831 2070 or email info@womensandgirls.org.au

Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre offers case management services Monday to Friday, by appointment.

Referring organisations and individuals are welcome to contact us to discuss making an appointment for case management services.

Find out more about our Generalist Counselling Services or for more information and to make  an appointment, phone (02) 9831 2070 or send us an email: info@womensandgirls.org.au

Eating for a Good Nights Sleep
12th February.

Lack of sleep affects our daily performance, mood & health & will affect approximately 90% of the population. Learn tips to help you fall asleep easier & discover how certain food & drink can disturb your slumber. Facilitated by our very own Naturopath/Nutritionist, Katrina.

The Healing Benefits of Massage
19th February.

One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. It also provides many benefits that include relief from anxiety, diabetes, cancer, heart problems, and pain. Massage sessions also help achieve sound mental health. Join this session to learn simple massage techniques to practice at home. Facilitated by our very own Massage Therapist, Vincenzina.

Hepatitis C Information Session
26th February.

Includes FREE Liver Scan
Facilitated by a specialist Hepatology Clinical Nurse Consultant from the Storr Liver Centre at Westmead Hospital. This presentation will provide information on preventive strategies & treatments of Hepatitis C. The FibroScran is pain free & takes only 10 minutes

The Continence Foundation Bladder And Bowel Health for women aged between 40 – 60
5th March, 10:30 am – 12 noon

Join us for an informative presentation and discussion on bladder & bowel health by a female continence physiotherapist and a specialist continence nurse. Our Naturopath/Nutritionist, Katrina, will also provide healthy lifestyle tips and well-being strategies. This group is specifically designed to suit the needs of women aged between 40-60. FREE morning tea and refreshments provided. Supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia

The Continence Foundation Bladder And Bowel Health for mature aged women 60+ years old
12th March, 10:30 am – 12 noon

Join us for an informative presentation and discussion on bladder & bowel health by a female continence physiotherapist and a specialist continence nurse. Our Naturopath/Nutritionist, Katrina, will also provide healthy lifestyle tips and well-being strategies. This group is specifically designed to suit the needs of mature aged women (60+). FREE morning tea and refreshments provided. Supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia

The Continence Foundation Bladder And Bowel Health for adolescent women and girls. Aged 12+
19th March, 10:30 am – 12 noon

Join us for an informative presentation and discussion on bladder & bowel health by a female continence physiotherapist and a specialist continence nurse. Our Naturopath/Nutritionist, Katrina, will also provide healthy lifestyle tips and well-being strategies. This group is specifically designed to suit the needs of adolescent women & girls. FREE morning tea and refreshments provided.  Supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia.

The Continence Foundation Bladder And Bowel Health for Pre & Post Natal women
26th March, 10:30 am – 12 noon

Join us for an informative presentation and discussion on bladder & bowel health by a female continence physiotherapist and a specialist continence nurse. Our Naturopath/Nutritionist, Katrina, will also provide healthy lifestyle tips and well-being strategies. This group is specifically designed to suit the needs of pre & post natal women. FREE morning tea and refreshments provided. Supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia.

Hepatitis B Information Session
2nd April, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Includes FREE Liver Scan
Facilitated by a specialist Hepatology Clinical Nurse Consultant from the Storr Liver Centre at Westmead Hospital. This presentation will provide information on preventive strategies & treatments of Hepatitis B. The FibroScran is pain free & takes only 10 minutes.

Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre offers counselling Monday to Friday, by appointment.

Referring organisations and individuals are welcome to contact us to discuss making an appointment for counselling.

Find out more about our Generalist Counselling Services or for more information or to make an appointment phone (02)9831 2070 or email: info@womensandgirls.org.au

Female clinicians from Family Planning NSW are available at the Centre every Wednesday for bulk billed medical services, including:

• pap smears
• contraception and fertility advice
• menopause information
• reproductive and sexual health services
• pregnancy and STI checks
• breast checks
• all women’s health advice and support

To make an appointment, phone (02) 9831 2070 or email info@womensandgirls.org.au

Naturopathy is a system of health care which treats the whole person. Naturopathy considers all aspects of your life and aims to support you back to good health by discovering the causes of your problems not just treating the symptoms. This method of health treatment is based on thousands of years of knowledge and has been used in every culture across the world.

Naturopathy also involves a thorough history taking to gather all those clues and messages the body gives us, and then explores treatment options. These may range from nutritional recommendations and supplementation, herbal medicine, diet or healthy living advice or referral to a doctor or another health practitioner.

Our Naturopath and Healthy Lifestyle Coach Katrina has many years of clinical experience in women’s health and holds an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy and a Diploma in Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Medicine. She has a passion for preventative health care and education, management of chronic disease and healthy lifestyle coaching.

COST:

• $25.00 (working);
• $10.00 (part time workers);
• $5.00 (concession card holders)

Supplements and herbal medicines are dispensed to Centre clients only and are reasonably priced to cover the cost of the goods.

Naturopathic treatments MAY be able to assist with:

• Women’s and Girls’ health issues
• Stress, Anxiety & Low mood
• Arthritis & Chronic Pain
• Fatigue, Lack of vitality and Sleep issues
• Digestive Disorders
• Weight loss and Detoxification
• Reproductive health issues including menstrual problems, fertility and menopause

When: Tuesdays.
Ph: (02)9831 2070
Email: info@womensandgirls.org.au

Early Childhood Nurses from Mount Druitt Community Health team visit the Centre every Monday between 9.30 am – 12.30 pm for the Early Childhood Clinic. They can see children 0 – 5 years for development advice and tests.

Phone (02) 8670 3300 for an appointment.

Art Therapy For Trauma
Starting 4th March until 8th April. (10 am – 12 noon)

6-week group with a focus on recovery after trauma. No art experience necessary. To register your interest, please phone 9831 2070.

Australian Breastfeeding Association
12th February, 12th March, 9th April. (10 am – 12 noon)

Breastfeeding parents with questions and concerns, or who just want to connect with others, are welcome!

Self Esteem And Communication Skills
Starting 14th February until 4th April. (10 am – 12:30 pm)

Self Esteem & Communication is an 8-session group for women who wish to develop their self-confidence, communication skills and conflict resolution abilities. This may be in relation to previous stresses or difficulties in their relationships. Pre-group interviews on 7th February. Facilitated by Relationships Australia. Booking essential. Ph: 98063299

Women, Choice And Change
Starting 22nd February until 12th April. (10 am -1 pm)

This 8-week group is for women who have experienced family violence. It provides the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences & talk about the issues & develop positive strategies for the future. Pre-group interviews 15th February.  Booking essential. Ph: 98063299.

African Women’s Support Group
Starting 8th February. (10 am – 12 noon)

Group meets every Friday. Connect with other African women in the community & receive free information about women’s health issues.

OzHarvest
Fridays only (10 am – until food runs out). Clients only.

Collect fresh fruit, vegetables & grocery items for $2. Please Note: Food may run out before 12 noon, so best to get in early.

LGBTIQ Blacktown

Information & referral support resources available.