Illawarra Women's Health Centre - Warilla, New South Wales

Tarni B.

From my initial point of contact I felt welcomed by Sam always lovely to take the time and have a chat she’s gone above and beyond where she called me out of the blue as I hadn’t been able to attend in person for some time due to health reasons which really made my day, I’ve been working with a case manager who actually supports and listens to my complex needs and has taken a load off me by completing paperwork that I don’t fully understand which I’m very grateful for and I have finally found a wonderful psychologist to help me navigate my journey. I feel very comfortable and safe coming into this beautiful space I hope to build the confidence to join and attend groups in the new year. Thank you for having such a terrific organisation that’s free to access 🩷

Jennifer B.

A therapist had recommended the centre to me because of the free groups. It was daunting to walk in the first day and wonder who to talk to. Then I spied the desk and waited quietly for the receptionist to finish a phone call. Two of the groups I wanted to join was 'wait list' but it only took until the next school term (or cycle) for a space.
I was asked "is this your office?", on one of the first days I was there by another woman waiting when I glanced in as I walked past to ukulele. My reply: "My office? No, I come here".

I laughed at myself recently as I waved to a lady from art group sitting in one of the comfy chairs in the huge entry space. during a group break. 'Look at me making friends here. 'I thought.

The Staff and Volunteers are ALL female and gentle with their approach, as many women entering are traumatised. It CAN be confusing who works there as we ALL have access to the kitchen to make a cuppa. Or we may come out of therapy groups for a break and huddle in there to avoid others . If you 're lucky, you might walk in on a Friday to a fortnightly morning tea and think it's a staff party. It's not, it's ALL of us together and you're welcome.

It's a great and varied community of women from equally varied backgrounds gathering together for a range of reasons,: family crisis, loss, loneliness, trauma, disability, healing from DV, retired and needing connection, carers needing support, to learn skills. You name it! We all need something. Consideration for others and a sense of (appropriate) humour helps us get along.

A monthly newsletter found on the website outlines groups that run regularly ; such as music, art, gardening, exercise , carer support, job skills, therapy groups, the list goes on. Come and join us!

Kieran G.

Came in to run an errand for a family member and can't be more grateful that that was my only reason to visit. If the front desk was left unintended for as long as I waited anywhere else, someone would have been fired. On top of that there was other (very obvious) employees walking around who checked the front desk, saw me, didn't acknowledge I was waiting and walked off. To top the cake, there was at least 5 women standing in the kitchen having a mother's meeting and loudly socialising. Was at the point of leaving a note so I could drop things off and leave (the wait was over 10 minutes) when FINALLY the receptionist decided to do her job, although was rude about being pulled away from her friends. Absolutely disgusting treatment and I've been held to higher standards at a casual retail job.

As one of the only places in the illawarra for women who need assistance, that was WOEFUL. Absolutely disgusted with the treatment, and every single employee who walked past and had the gall to not even acknowledge that I was there clearly dont take the job seriously enough to deserve being there. So disappointed that that's supposed to be a "safe and supportive space." You can't achieve that unless you have employees who have some respect for their job. Disgraceful.

Madison V.

Their books are closed but they don’t advertise this unless you contact them directly, so just be aware of this. I’m a bit disappointed that it doesn’t just say this on the website.

Miranda K.

Sorry our books are full go somewhere else? Community health centre Rude as hell on top of it.

Susie P.

Outstanding service and resource. Thank you!

J M.

Friendly and helpful. But slow to respond

Alexandra S. M.

Best service.