As Christmas approaches and many of us are busy wrapping presents to give to our loved ones, we're wrapping up our projects for the year, reflecting on everything we've achieved in 2024 and preparing for a successful 2025.

Our staff have been hard at work, supporting our primary care workforce to provide high-quality care and implementing programs and services to address key health concerns in our region. We were particularly proud to see our years of advocacy for additional services in the Hawkesbury come to fruition with the official launch of headspace Hawkesbury, the opening of the North Richmond Urgent Care Service and WHOS Hawkesbury.

Another highlight was the launch of the sexual violence and child sexual abuse component of our well-established domestic family violence program, which is now called Care and Connect. I was also thrilled to see the important role of PHNs and primary care in disasters finally recognised, with our formal inclusion in the NSW Health Services Functional Area Supporting Plan (NSW Healthplan). This has been an important topic of advocacy for us over many years and I look forward to sharing more about this in 2025.

A key organisational milestone, was the development and launch of our new 2024-2029 Strategic Plan after extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and community representatives. Our new Plan builds on the strengths and outcomes of our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan and incorporates learnings from the last five years in health, where we all faced unprecedented challenges.

While we celebrate our achievements and others enjoy the festivities of the season, we recognise that for some, this time of year can bring up difficult memories, like the loss of loved ones, past traumatic events such as bushfires or ongoing flood recovery. Financial expectations can increase stress and feelings of loneliness can be amplified. During this time, many GPs also take a well-deserved break. The Hawkesbury Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) service, and Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) Centre are available for free walk-in support, without a Medicare card or mental health plan, during the holidays (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day). Opening hours for each service are available on our website.

Another option is to call the Head to Health phoneline on 1800 595 212, which helps you to find free or low-cost local mental health support in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas. This service is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 5:00pm, excluding public holidays.

The festive season can also be a difficult time for young people. We have four headspace services acros the region that provide free support to young people aged 12-25 years across mental health, physical health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug needs. They also host free holiday activities to foster connection.

Finally, I would like to thank our staff, commissioned providers and many other stakeholders for their contributions this year. Your ongoing dedication to your work helps us further our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in our community.

From all of us at Wentworth Healthcare, we wish you a safe and happy festive season and we look forward to achieving more together in 2025.