As we celebrate Christmas today, the community is being called on to support the more vulnerable residents.

There are many reasons why some people find the festive season challenging - high expectations, financial stress, threats of domestic violence, family dynamics, loneliness, depression, emotional triggers, and pressures to celebrate.

Kellie Maxwell is based at Lightning Ridge in the role of Mission Australia Program Manager.

Ms Maxwell focusses on the “Staying home, leaving violence” program and homelessness programs including the Walgett Women’s Safe House which opened in September this year.

She said, while many local drop-in centres will be closed over the Christmas break, emergency numbers are listed at all facilities.

However, some will remain open across the holiday period.

“Where we have the women's refuges, in Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Brewarrina, they're still open," Ms Maxwell said.

"These are the only refuges that Mission Australia has across the Western Plains, but there are others, such as in Bourke, which are run by different NGOs.”

To combat loneliness at this time of year, Ms Maxwell said they have been running events to help spread Christmas cheer, and lift spirits of those who may be alone during the festive season.

“In more vulnerable communities, we've had different events, including Christmas lunches for people who won't necessarily celebrate Christmas with somebody else,” she said.

“We have had quite a few events leading up to Christmas Day and hand out presents, gift vouchers and have a meal together, so people aren’t forgotten at Christmas.”

Christmas isn't joyous for everyone, but help is only a phone call away. (Image: Mission Australia)

“At this time of year, we have a bigger response from families who are doing it tough and feel the pressure of having to provide Christmas presents for children,” she said.

“We provide for all our clients with food vouchers and meat vouchers, and a present for all the children as well.”

Where previously food hampers were provided, Mission Australia now gives out food vouchers to also support local businesses.

“This way, people have more choice about what they want to buy, and the vouchers are for the local butcher or grocery shops," Ms Maxwell said.

We want to encourage people to shop locally, rather than do the big shop away at a Big W somewhere.”

The local touch extends to the on-call counsellors, available across the Christmas period.

“The contact numbers on our doors include all our services, as well as those of other organisations, such as Lifeline,” Ms Maxwell said.

“The on-call numbers for Mission Australia are directed to a local person, or as close to local as possible.

"For example, Coonamble is covered by somebody who's working in Walgett at the moment, but who knows Coonamble well.

"Dubbo covers Coonabarabran because that's closer to them.

"Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Bre all have somebody working in those areas.

"In the areas with no open facilities, we've tried to place a contact in the closest town, where people understand each of those communities.”

One-on-one assistance via online chat, email, or phone is accessible through eheadspace.org.au or by calling 1800 650 890.

These services ensure you are never alone, even when local offices are closed. 

For emergencies or immediate assistance, always call 000.

If you need to speak with someone urgently, there are several trusted resources available: 

• • Lifeline: 13 11 14 

• • 13 Yarn: 13 92 76 (providing culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) 

• • Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 

• • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467