Relationships Australia NSW

03/08/2025

Loneliness is rising – especially among young Australians.⁠
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According to research from Relationships Australia, a quarter of Australians are lonely. Feelings of loneliness then tended to decline with age, with more than one in three people aged 18 to 34 saying they feel lonely often or all the time.⁠
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Friendship can be one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness. But let’s be honest – making new friends isn’t always smooth and seamless, especially when you're feeling a little rusty.⁠
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That's why, this Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re sharing six small steps to help you feel more confident in social situations.⁠
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💬 Save this post as a reminder that you can build new connections.⁠
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💛 And if things feel especially hard right now, we’re here to help. Call us on 1300 364 277 to make an appointment, or for 24/7 phone support you can reach out to:⁠
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Beyond Blue
Lifeline
13 Yarn
Kids Helpline Official

30/07/2025

One in three Australian men has used intimate partner violence, according to research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies Ten to Men Study.

And each year, an estimated 120,000 men begin using intimate partner violence for the first time.

This is a national crisis – one we can’t afford to ignore. The harm caused by domestic and family violence ripples across generations, affecting partners, children and communities.

That’s why Men’s Behaviour Change Programs are so important. At Relationships Australia NSW, our programs seek to help men understand the impact of using violence, take responsibility for their actions, and build safer, more respectful relationships.

Evidence shows these programs:

📉 Reduce physical, emotional and sexual violence
🧠 Improve men’s insight and accountability
🧒 Lead to better outcomes for children and families
🔁 Are more effective than criminal sanctions alone.

Learn more about Taking Responsibility – our Men's Behaviour Change Program: https://bit.ly/454luCu

If you need more help, we encourage you to reach out to 1800RESPECT, who support anyone impacted by domestic and family violence, including friends and family members. For emergencies, please call 000.

23/07/2025

Considering dating again – but still navigating a separation?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but as you navigate this next chapter, it can help to pause and check in with yourself first:

🧠 Are you dating from a place of healing, or reacting to loneliness?
💬 How could it impact your children or ex-partner?
📱 Should you post about it online?

Read our latest article for our gentle guidance and support: https://bit.ly/416EPSb

And, whether you're ready to jump back into the dating game or still working it out, you don't have to do it alone. We're here to support you – call us 1300 364 277 to discuss how we can help.

17/07/2025

When it feels like you and your partner are speaking different languages, it can leave you feeling misunderstood and frustrated.

John Gottman spent decades researching thousands of couples to find out what makes relationships last – and he discovered something powerful. He and his team found that it’s not just how we communicate that matters, but how we interpret each other’s behaviour.

When we’re in a good place emotionally, we're more likely to give our partner the benefit of the doubt – even when things go wrong. Gottman calls this Positive Sentiment Override.

But when trust breaks down or stress builds up, the opposite can happen, and even the smallest issues can feel loaded. Negative Sentiment Override can quietly chip away at a couple's connection over time.

Use this cheat sheet to spot which mindset might be showing up more often in your relationship right now.

And if things are feeling tense more often than not, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Our experienced couples counsellors can help you reconnect, understand each other better, and rebuild trust.

🔗 Learn more about our services: https://bit.ly/3GE9DCT

Couples Counselling offers a supportive environment where you can discuss concerns, overcome tensions and strengthen your partnership.

07/07/2025

is a time to honour the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.⁠

This year's theme, the Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates the bold and proud leaders of tomorrow, while recognising the power of intergenerational strength, knowledge and storytelling.

To mark the week, we’re sharing a collection of First Nations books, TV shows and films that offer powerful insights, truths and perspectives – selected by members of our Reconciliation Action Network. This group includes both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and non-Indigenous allies who help embed reconciliation across our organisation.⁠

These stories explore identity, resistance, legacy and the ongoing impacts of colonisation. We hope they spark conversation, reflection and deeper understanding.⁠

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At Relationships Australia NSW, we’re committed to reconciliation and to walking alongside First Nations peoples to build a more just, inclusive and self-determined future. You can read our Reconciliation Action Plan on our website: https://bit.ly/46hYB0r

01/07/2025

It's totally normal to feel a little bit nervous about your first counselling session.

In our latest article, we asked our counsellors to walk through what happens when you meet with them, so there's no surprises.

Head to our Knowledge Hub for more. https://bit.ly/4n9RFbU

26/06/2025

Have you ever been ? 👻

One moment, things feel good. The next – silence. No message. No explanation. Just… gone.

Ghosting hurts – whether it’s a friend, a date, or someone you trusted. It can leave you confused, ashamed, and wondering what went wrong. But, most of the time, it says more about them than it does about you.

In our latest article, Sandy, our Counselling Practice Specialist, shares why people ghost, its impact on us, and what you can do to begin healing.

“It can bring up past hurts, shake your confidence and leave you questioning your worth,” Sandy says.

🔗 Read more on our website: https://bit.ly/43JtkRj

21/06/2025

The shortest day of the year is upon us, and it's a timely reminder to slow down and replenish.

You can’t pour from an empty cup – and when you look after yourself, your relationships are stronger for it.

Swipe through for four simple ways to recharge and reconnect this winter.
For more psychologist-approved self-care strategies, visit our Knowledge Hub. https://bit.ly/3Z4HTxg

15/06/2025

In his experience as a trial lawyer, Jefferson Fisher has learned a thing or two about arguing. He's seen how often we divide debates into "right" and "wrong", which means people become more focused on "winning" instead of hearing what the other person has to say.

His advice for better communication? Stop trying to win, and instead try to unravel what others are saying and where they're coming from.

This year, Jefferson published his first book, which has jumped to #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers List and is also one of Apple's staff picks.

We're lucky enough to share some of his words of wisdom on our website – take a look 👉 https://bit.ly/4jR4hCw

Jefferson Fisher is a trial lawyer and author The Next Conversation, where he proposes a new way to approach arguing in your relationships.

10/06/2025

🗣️ Research from Relationships Australia has found that 54% of Aussie men manage on their own when facing relationship challenges.

Men often feel pressured to tackle life's problems solo, but connection and support are essential for good mental health. In fact, men who seek support early often experience improved mental health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging.

This , we want to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and remind men that they don’t have to go it alone – help is out there.

Head to our website to see how we can support you: https://bit.ly/3GO4mbH
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For crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

06/06/2025

Long weekends can be a time of connection – but for some families, with increased time at home or pressure to go to social events, they can also bring added stress and tension.

If your actions are hurting the people you care about, or you’re worried about someone else’s behaviour, support is available.

The No to Violence Men’s Referral Service offers confidential, 24/7 support – whether you’re ready to make a change, need help managing conflict, or want advice for someone else.

📞 Call 1300 766 491 or visit ntv.org.au/mrs.

If you’re experiencing domestic or family violence yourself, you're not alone. For urgent help call 000, or reach out to 1800RESPECT for free, 24/7 crisis support and counselling.

03/06/2025

For some couples, staying in love means living separately. This growing trend, known as "Living Apart Together" (LAT), is about making the conscious choice to share your life with someone – but without sharing a roof.

From maintaining personal routines to avoiding the pressures of shared living, LAT can help some couples keep the spark alive.

Find out why more people are choosing to live the LAT lifestyle: https://bit.ly/4koCb1D