Bring on 2021!

𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓!

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆!

2020 has been a difficult year for many with this global pandemic. The financial, educational, social and emotional impacts have been widespread and will have lasting consequences. Many have expressed the hope that 2021 would bring positive changes however COVID-19 continues to touch our lives in Victoria as more restrictions are imposed today. It is very important to hold this hope, for your wellbeing and for the wellbeing of those people that you care about.

If you're on your own tonight or even with family and friends, and find yourself thinking about the past or some recent challenges, have lost a loved one, or perhaps you’re feeling apprehensive about the start of another year, there is always someone out there that you can chat to.

Drugs and alcohol can provide temporary relief from a range of emotions although they often create new problems and can amplify existing ones. Drugs and alcohol can also lead to violence.

Family violence increases over the new year period. On New Year’s Day in 2019, police responded to an increased number of family violence incidents - 110% more than usual. Take action if you are unsafe. If possible, have a bag prepared, some spare cash and a mobile telephone. In an emergency, leave and seek help via 000.

Tonight, if anyone needs some extra support, reach out -

♦️Lifeline - 13 11 14

♦️Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

♦️Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - 1800 015 888

♦️Kids Helpline Official - 1800 55 1800

𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕,

𝑬𝒍𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒂