Emergency / Crisis Services

If you ever feel unable to cope because of overwhelming or intense emotions, or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself, then ask for help immediately.

National 24/7 crisis services

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.

1800 My Options – 1800 696 784. Confidential. Pro-choice. Contraception, pregnancy options, abortion and sexual health services

Additional youth support services

headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call eheadspace on 1800 650 890

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

ReachOut: reachout.com.au

SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org

EMERGENCY RELIEF & FINANCIAL SUPPORT:

The Red Cross

The Victorian government can assist eligible families with little or nothing in the pantries with emergency relief packages. Families can register their need for 2 weeks’ worth of food, by calling Victoria’s coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. For eligible families the packages will contain items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar. Personal care packages containing soap, toothpaste and deodorant are also available for eligible households. The program is being run by the Red Cross in partnership with Foodbank Victoria under the direction of the State Relief Coordinator.

St Vincent de Paul

Ph: 5470 6091

Open: Mon, Wed, Thu from 12pm - 4pm.

Mount Alexander Shire Council

Food Relief Service: 035471 1766

Centrelink: Financial Support for Households

Income Support for Individuals Centrelink payments and additional assistance for those already on a payment: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19

This factsheet provides information on what Centrelink can do if you have been affected by COVID-19: http://ejaustralia.org.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Claiming-Centrelink-during-COVID-19.pdf

Financial Aid and Financial Counselling

Haven Home Safe

For Kyneton/ Castlemaine residents call 0436 950 096 and leave a message for Jess (she will call you back)

Mount Alexander Macedon Ranges

NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme): 03 5427 4842