Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Community Support Services in Newcastle & NSW
Samaritans Early Learning Centres has been dedicated to supporting individuals through challenging times since its establishment as the social services agency of Newcastle Anglican. Our mission focuses on unconditional care, empowering individuals to build resilience and integrate meaningfully into their communities. We prioritise social justice, advocating for equitable systems that amplify the voices of marginalised populations. With over 800 employees and 400 volunteers, our team delivers tailored support across diverse sectors, including disability services, youth programs, and domestic violence assistance.Our expertise spans decades of addressing complex social issues, ensuring high standards through independently assessed certifications. As a trusted leader in community services, we maintain transparency in operations while fostering partnerships to enhance service delivery. Our commitment to child safety, cultural inclusivity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities underscores our holistic approach to social welfare. Through evidence-based practices and community engagement, we strive to create lasting positive change across regional NSW.
Services
NDIS support
Child and family support
Youth services
Community support
Homelessness assistance
Therapy support
Foster care
Counselling services
Domestic violence support
Op shops
Highlights and features
- We employ 800+ staff with 400 volunteers across regional NSW
- Our 24/7 support caters to complex disability needs
- Tailored NDIS services focus on individual life goals
- We advocate for systemic change through social justice initiatives
- Specialised programs address domestic violence and homelessness
Services
NDIS support
Our NDIS services provide tailored support for people with disabilities across NSW. We focus on individual goals through personalised plans that promote independence and community participation. With trained staff available 24/7, we support people with complex needs while maintaining high care standards through regular certifications. Our approach combines practical assistance with advocacy to ensure participants achieve their full potential.
Homelessness assistance
We offer comprehensive homelessness services including emergency shelter and transitional housing. Our programs support women escaping domestic violence, at-risk youth, and men exiting prison through structured accommodation pathways. Services combine safe housing with case management to address underlying causes of homelessness. We operate specialist centres in Newcastle and regional NSW to provide targeted community-based solutions.
Youth services
Our youth programs address diverse needs including counselling, accommodation, and relationship guidance. Services operate across Newcastle and regional NSW with flexible delivery models. We provide specialist support for drug and alcohol issues while maintaining safe spaces for personal development. Programs integrate educational assistance and mental health support to help young people build stable futures through community engagement.
Domestic violence support
We deliver targeted assistance for women and children experiencing domestic violence through dedicated support workers. Services include emergency accommodation, safety planning, and trauma-informed counselling. Our programs operate across multiple NSW regions with culturally appropriate interventions. We collaborate with legal and health services to provide holistic support while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols for vulnerable clients.
Foster care
Our foster care program trains carers to provide safe environments for children needing temporary care. Services focus on maintaining family connections while ensuring child safety and wellbeing. We offer ongoing support for carers through training and case management. Programs align with child protection frameworks while prioritising cultural considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Our approach aims to reunite families where possible.
Questions
How do I access Samaritans Services?
Contact our Newcastle head office at 1300 656 336 during business hours or complete our online assistance form for referral to appropriate services.
What regions do you operate in?
We provide services across Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter, Mid North Coast, and Central Western regions of NSW through multiple service centres.
Do you offer emergency support?
Yes, we partner with crisis services and maintain emergency contacts for mental health, domestic violence, and homelessness assistance available 24/7.
How can I volunteer?
Visit our website's 'Get involved' section to explore volunteer opportunities including community support, op shop assistance, and foster care programs.
What accreditations do you hold?
Our services maintain industry certifications through independent assessments, though specific accreditation bodies aren't listed in our public documentation.
How are donations used?
Donations fund critical programs including student accommodation, emergency relief, and community support services for vulnerable populations across NSW.
Reviews (5)
Chrissy Grigg
Oct 25, 2021
Report
I had a trouble experience with a Samaritans support coordinator Jordanah Bender that wouldnt help me through my Plan review and ruined my whole Plan ......Did minimal work for me and overcharged for it
Plan Management is the best option for anyone on the NDIS there's A lot of scammers that want your funding so keep everything under Plan Management so you can keep a watch where your funds go ...good luck
Plan Management is the best option for anyone on the NDIS there's A lot of scammers that want your funding so keep everything under Plan Management so you can keep a watch where your funds go ...good luck
Smeg Smegson
Feb 09, 2021
Report
Before they even asked me any questions the intake lady rolled her eyes at me and said "Why are there so many young men trying to get freebies these days."
Left immediatly, I'd rather starve to death.
Left immediatly, I'd rather starve to death.
Sylvia Austin
Sep 12, 2020
Report
A younger woman who filled out my details sent out the most unfriendly vibes through the place, she not only took over the computer from an elderly lady whose job it was to take down my details, but she left her standing there looking very uncomfortable not knowing what to do for quite a considerable time. I felt very embarrassed and uncomfortable for her.
Also, her way of just getting my details was in a very condescending manner. I have only recently finished a course in Community Services III, and based on what I have learnt, that woman IS definitely in the wrong job where she deals with some
Also, her way of just getting my details was in a very condescending manner. I have only recently finished a course in Community Services III, and based on what I have learnt, that woman IS definitely in the wrong job where she deals with some
NationOfZealots
Jul 21, 2019
Report
Was referred to Samaritans in a time of need for some food relief mainly and other service referrals, both of which were a big help. Their intake assessment can be intimidating and made me feel unwelcomed in the end, so I stopped going after a couple of visits and just went without to avoid this needless intimidation. If you are a single male without kids, you will be judged.
Joanne Harding
Oct 05, 2016
Report
Max Boddy will claim on your funding but not deliver the support required for disabled clients
He is dishonest demoralising and down right waste of time 6 months and haven't achieved nothing
A complaint has gone to Leanne Kelly who isn't addressing complaints about his conduct and to the Ndis integrity unit about claiming my funding and having nothing to show for it
Go to another service don't go here
They will take your funding and do zilch they won't address complaints and always defer responsibility for their own actions
I really think max and Leanne wants dead if I did then they can't
He is dishonest demoralising and down right waste of time 6 months and haven't achieved nothing
A complaint has gone to Leanne Kelly who isn't addressing complaints about his conduct and to the Ndis integrity unit about claiming my funding and having nothing to show for it
Go to another service don't go here
They will take your funding and do zilch they won't address complaints and always defer responsibility for their own actions
I really think max and Leanne wants dead if I did then they can't
