Financial and Emotional Supports

6 Sept

Please speak to one of our staff members as soon as possible for immediate support and advice (03) 9005 6847.

Psychological first aid and emotional support

If you need emotional support, these organisations are ready to take your call 24/7:

Red Cross Australia – 1800 733 276
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636.

Help paying electricity, gas and water bills

Victorians can get help to manage their electricity, gas and water costs if they’re having trouble paying their bills.

Concessions, government grants and cheaper plans are available through the state’s payment difficulty framework. Organisations can refer low-income and vulnerable householders to:

Moneysmart’s financial counselling – free and confidential financial counselling services, including advice on paying energy bills
Financial Counselling Victoria – free and independent financial information and support (call the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007)
Energy and Water Ombudsman – free service to help with energy and water complaints.
Energy Info Hub’s online community worker resources – learn simple steps to help clients with their energy bills.

Also the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing has created practical guidance to help families prepare for COVID-19 quarantine:

There are also resources from the Victorian Government for communities that have language and cultural needs. Access to translators and interpreters can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au’s web page on translated information about COIVD-19.