ACT Seniors and Veterans Newsletter December 2020 Contents
Foreword: Emma Davidson, Assistant Minister for Families and Communities ...... 2
Public Health update ...... 3
ACT Government updates ...... 4
Supporting Canberra’s community resilience ...... 6
Community services over the festive period ...... 7
Fitness and wellbeing ...... 8
Information and support services specific to Seniors and Veterans ...... 9
Opening hours during the Christmas/New Year period ...... 11
Clubs and venues across Canberra ...... 12
Grant opportunities ...... 13
Translated resources ...... 14
Further information and support ...... 14
Page 1 of 16
Foreword: Emma Davidson, Assistant Minister for Families and Communities
Dear Reader
I am pleased to introduce myself as the appointed Minister with responsibility for seniors and ageing policy and veterans matters. I am very proud to hold these responsibilities as part of my portfolio as Assistant Minister for Families and Community Services.
I have a long history working in the community sector. I have volunteered and worked with community groups, primarily with a focus on health, wellbeing, and the needs of women. I have lived in many of the suburbs that make up the Murrumbidgee region over the past 25 years, and currently live in Hughes with my partner, three children and our bulldog (Chase).
The change of portfolios which has led to seniors and veterans matters being included in the broader portfolio of Families and Community Services, doesn’t take away from my commitment to represent issues you or your stakeholders are faced with, and the government’s commitment towards seniors and veterans. What matters most to me is making a positive difference and you have my commitment that I will work hard to understand and advocate on matters that are important in making a difference for seniors and veterans who live in the ACT.
In relation to seniors, I welcome the ACT Government’s Age-Friendly City Plan 2020-2024 which is currently in place to set the priorities over the next four years to further the inclusion for older Canberrans. I have a personal interest in ensuring the city is an accessible, safe and welcoming place. I encourage all readers to view the Plan which is available on the Community Services Directorate’s website at: https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/wac/seniors/age-friendly-city/Age-Friendly-City-Plan.
Further to work under the Age-Friendly City Plan, we will be progressing priority areas for older Canberrans which include:
• establishing an Official Visitor for aged care;
• supporting the neighbourhood to secure land for Canberran’s first Dementia Care Village;
• scoping on-demand and flexibus services;
• amending building legislation to set a proportion of new residential properties in the ACT built to meet Universal Design standards; and
• reviewing concession assistance measures and tax reforms to make these fair and equitable.
Page 2 of 16
In relation to veterans, we will be progressing a number of priority areas which include:
• the development of a Whole of Government Veterans Strategy;
• furthering the feasibility study to consider how a nationally connected veterans’ digital health and research hub could operate;
• continuing the veterans employment program; and
• rolling out the Veterans Connect Event three times a year, in line with ADF Transition Seminars.
I am committed to making Canberra a better place for older Canberrans and veterans and their families, and to giving policy and programs in these areas the acknowledgement they deserve. I welcome and encourage feedback, recommendations, and comments from you and look forward to engaging with the community over this term of government.
Public Health update The current environment has shown that we are stronger together, and the flattening of the curve is proof of Canberrans’ resilience and dedication to protecting each other. As of 11 December 2020, there are no active case of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT's total at 117. A total of 114 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three deaths in total and the number of negative tests recorded in the ACT is now 124,887.
For further details please visit: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/home
Further updates to Stage 4 of Canberra’s Recovery Plan came into place on 11 December 2020, with further easing of restrictions to enable businesses to increase capacity. It is anticipated this level of restrictions will be in place over the summer months. For details visit the https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/news-articles/updates-to-stage-4-of-canberras-recovery-plan.
Page 3 of 16
ACT Government updates Access Canberra The Access Canberra Shopfronts and Contact Centre (13 22 81) will close for the public holidays over the Christmas/New Year period. To ensure the health and safety of all customers, Access Canberra continues with the following measures:
• Quiet periods between 9:00am and 11:00am Monday to Friday. During this time, service will be prioritised for vulnerable Canberrans, for older Canberrans, those with special needs, or where English is their second language.
• Access Canberra Service Centres are open from 9:00am to 3:45pm Monday to Friday. Health and safety measures have been put in place to support customer and staff safety, including the installation of Perspex screens at counters, social distancing in queues, cashless transactions, continuous professional cleaning, and contactless document handling where possible.
• Digital Services: More than 450 services and transactions the community are now available online. Canberrans can access services from the comfort of their home, saving them unnecessary travel and helping to support social distancing requirements.
For further details on opening hours during this period, please visit the Access Canberra website: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/2822/~/2020-21-christmas-and-new- year-services
Libraries ACT Libraries ACT are increasing the length of time you can spend at your local library, which can now be up to two hours. Please note, some services are still limited or changed to take precautions to protect the community and staff and meet mandated restrictions. Please continue to follow these conditions.
All ACT Libraries branches will close at 2:00pm on 24 December 2020 and resume regular opening hours from 2 January 2021. Please note, on 30 and 31 December 2020, Dickson, Gungahlin, Woden and Tuggeranong branches are open 10:00am – 5:30pm. All other branches remain closed.
For further details please visit: https://www.library.act.gov.au/find-us#christmas.
Subscribe to the Our CBR Newsletter
Subscribe to the Our CBR newsletter to receive updates directly to your inbox on what’s new in Canberra. To subscribe visit https://www.act.gov.au/our-canberra/home and select the ‘subscribe’ option in the toolbar at the top of the page. Page 4 of 16
Holiday season bus timetable A reduced bus timetable will be in place over the summer holiday period from Monday 21 December 2020 until Sunday 10 January 2021 inclusive. Services have been reduced to meet lessened demand over the period. The following changes have been made to meet the limited demand over the period:
Local services • Local services run at least every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour during the evenings (from 8:00pm).
Rapid services • The Rapid 10 will run every 15 minutes during morning and afternoon peaks, every 30 minutes for off-peak and hourly in the evenings (from 8:00pm). All other Rapid services will run at least every 15 minutes on weekdays and at least every 30 minutes in the evenings (from 8:00pm).
Weekends and public holidays • From 26 December 2020 to 10 January 2021, the standard Sunday timetable will run on Saturdays as well as Sundays. The regular Saturday timetable will resume from 16 January 2021. • Public holidays will be serviced by a Sunday timetable during this period, except Christmas Day.
Christmas Day • Travel on Christmas Day is free on both bus and light rail services. The Christmas Day bus timetable will run from 7:40am – 5:00pm with local services running every two hours, the R4 every 30 minutes and all other Rapid services every hour.
New Year’s Eve • Light rail service hours have been extended for New Year’s Eve, with the last service departing Alinga Street at 1:00am.
Bus services will run to the summer holiday timetable on New Year’s Eve and the Sunday bus timetable for the public holiday on New Year’s Day. From Monday 11 January 2021, the regular TC weekend and school vacation timetable will be in place until school returns on Monday 1 February 2021.
Staying COVIDSafe on public transport You are reminded to be COVID Safe while using public transport over the summer. A range of changes are in place to help keep you safe. Read more.
For further information and details on the temporary timetable, please visit: https://www.transport.act.gov.au/news/news-and-events-items/december-2020/summer-holiday-bus- timetable
Page 5 of 16
Supporting Canberra’s community resilience The ACT Government has a number of community resilience initiatives in place to continue to support the resilience of the Canberra community through 2020 and going into the new year.
Wellbeing calls and referral service The festive season can be a difficult time for some, particularly following such a challenging year. If you’re feeling lonely or in need of a chat, the Red Cross Wellbeing Call Service offers to match you with a volunteer for friendly, over-the-phone chats however often is needed. Find out more online or register for the service by calling 6234 7630.
Community activity and resource packs Community Activity and Resource Packs are available from a range of community organisations, libraries and online. There are currently two packs available –Wellbeing, Resilience and Gratitude and Farewell 2020, Hello 2021. The Wellbeing, Resilience and Gratitude pack includes a range of activities for people of all ages and information to support positive mental health, wellbeing and resilience. The Farewell 2020, Hello 2021 pack includes resources, activities and information to help ring in the new year.
Connect in Canberra The Connect in Canberra website an information hub to help you stay in the loop, keep connected, be part of your community and get assistance and support if you need it. Connect in Canberra also includes a range of resources on community building and getting to know your neighbours.
Support CBR – Christmas appeal As we reach the end of a year that has tested all aspects of our wellbeing, Canberrans are continuing to work together to make sure everyone is supported over the festive season. Through the Support CBR – Christmas Appeal, GIVIT is providing Canberrans the opportunity to support local families experiencing hardship and local business at the same time, in a way that is more sustainable. By purchasing local experiences and gifts from participating businesses that are donated to local charities and organisations – from movie vouchers, bowling, and Jungle Golf to beauty experiences and Questacon – your gift will go directly to someone in need.
Page 6 of 16
#Give25 this festive season We know that not everyone approaches the holidays with excitement, particularly with the challenges of this year. For many members of our community, the festive season can present a challenge when it comes to accessing the resources they need to celebrate with their families.
You can help a woman and her family experiencing housing stress to get essentials by giving $25. Prefer giving an item? Why not give a $25 gift card, so those in need can buy their essentials themselves? Donations provide essential resources to women, children and families and will help sustain communities in Canberra. All donations over $2 are tax deductible, including gift cards.
Find out more about how to donate on our website: https://ywca-canberra.org.au/get-involved/make-a- donation/give-a-gift-that-matters
Keeping connected with communities A community is more than simply a group of individuals. A sense of community and belonging is formed through networks of relationships built locally, virtually, through faith, culture, shared circumstances, and shared interests. A strong sense of community contributes to everyone’s health and wellbeing, especially for those experiencing loneliness. You can find out more about what Canberrans have achieved in building stronger communities through 2020 with Keeping Connected with Communities at the Connect in Canberra website here.
Community services over the festive period Volunteering ACT have produced a number of helpful documents showing the supports that are available to the community over the December 2020/January 2021 period. These publications are available at: https://www.volunteeringact.org.au/about/publications-and-reports/info-guides/.
Detail of available community services over the festive period can be viewed at:
• Holiday Season Free Meal Guide https://www.volunteeringact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Holiday-Season-Free-Meal- Guide-2020-21.pdf
• Holiday Shut Down for Community Services https://www.volunteeringact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Holiday-Shut-Down-for- Services-Guide-2020-21.pdf
Page 7 of 16
Fitness and wellbeing Strengthening the lives of older Canberrans If you receive a Commonwealth Home Care Package or a Home Support Package, you may wish to include the Strength for Life (SFL) program as part of the suite of activities.
SFL is an affordable, safe and effective way to maintain or improve strength, balance, mobility and social connections. Participating in a SFL session can help improve a persons’ health and fitness as well as social connections. Each session is delivered in a group environment where your clients can get to know other people and improve their strength in a supportive atmosphere. Tier 1 classes are delivered by physios and exercise physiologists, and Tier 2 classes are delivered by personal trainers. All instructors are accredited SFL instructors. All clients receive an assessment and individual program prior to commencing the SFL classes.
To find out more about the program and the location of the licensed SFL providers, please visit the SFL page on the COTA ACT website at: https://www.cotaact.org.au/programs/s4l/
If you have questions about the SFL program, please email Diane at [email protected]
Mental health and wellbeing program Are you or someone you know providing in home care to a relative with a life limiting illness in the ACT? Has their mental health and wellbeing been affected during COVID-19? If so, Palliative Care ACT would like to help. Palliative Care ACT’s Mental Health and Wellbeing program can help by working with you to identify your needs and collaboratively establish the best and most effective way to have these needs met. Palliative Care ACT will assist to make arrangements. Supports may include, but are not limited to:
• respite care – at PC ACT’s home-like environment providing day and/or overnight respite care for your loved one;
• support social/therapeutic activities – social lunches, art, writing, photography, yoga, tai chi, massage, etc.;
• educational workshops –knowledge on topics such as life planning, computers, wills, etc.;
• assistance to return to work or to communicate with your employer; and
• carer advocacy – support and advice for yourself and/or the person you care for.
For details and further information, please contact: [email protected] or call 6255 5771 during office hours.
Page 8 of 16
Information and support services specific to Seniors and Veterans Supporting our veteran community following the release of the Afghanistan Inquiry We are aware that the recent release of the Afghanistan Inquiry will impact many within our community. If you, or someone you know, is facing difficulty, we encourage you to reach out and use support services available through the Department of Defence Welfare Services (https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/) or through local services, including:
• Your local ex-service organisation;
• ACT Health Access Mental Health 1800 629 354; or
• Lifeline Canberra on 13 14 11.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) remains committed to supporting veterans and their families whenever support is needed:
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former serving ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website at: www.openarms.gov.au for more information.
• Open Arms also has Safe Zone Support which can be accessed at: www.openarms.gov.au/safe- zone-support or 1800 142 072.
• There are many sources of support available so please contact the Veteran Access Network on 1800 VETERAN – 1800 838 372 where a DVA staff member will be able to help.
A reminder that current serving members can also contact the following support lines:
• Defence All-hours support line – The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1800 628 036.
• Defence Family Helpline – Operates 24-7, if you need support, help, or advice at any time, call 1800 624 608. The Defence Family Helpline is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
Further information is also available on the DVA website: www.dva.gov.au/igadf-afghanistan-inquiry- welfare-support-services.
We are committed to ensuring veterans and their families are supported during this time. Page 9 of 16
New Legal Aid ACT resources On 1 December 2020, Legal Aid ACT launched the OPALS Diary for 2021 and the ACT Capacity Toolkit and Guidelines.
The 2021 Diary, produced by Legal Aid ACT’s Older Person’s ACT Legal Service, is designed to help older people in the ACT understand their legal rights and direct them to the appropriate services for help.
The Capacity Toolkit & Guidelines, produced by Legal Aid ACT, are designed to assist lawyers, and other people in the ACT, who hold concerns about the ability of an adult to make decisions for themselves. To download a copy of the Guidelines, please visit: https://www.legalaidact.org.au/sites/default/files/files/publications/AUGUST2020_Capacity_Toolkit.pdf.
To reserve a copy of the 2021 Diary, email [email protected] or phone 1300 654 314.
Legal Aid ACT can be contacted on the following:
Address: 2 Allsop Street, Canberra Phone: 6243 3436 or 1800 353 374 Email: [email protected] Website: www.legalaidact.org.au/opals
Navigating the Aged Care System Do you, or a loved one need help navigating the aged care system? The ACT Disability Aged Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) is working with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT to see how people are navigating aged care home services and support through My Aged Care (MAC).
Eligibility to access MAC is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older, all non-Indigenous people aged 65 years or older and Prematurely Aged individuals (50 years or older for non-indigenous people and 45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples).
ADACAS Aged Care Navigators provide a free My Aged Care information service to eligible individuals, their families and carer’s, in person, by phone or by video-link. We can also coordinate the help of the Translating Information Services for people from linguistically diverse backgrounds or with auditory impairments.
For further information and to start making enquiries about your aged care plans, please contact Ken at ADACAS on 6242 5060 or [email protected].
Page 10 of 16
Opening hours during the Christmas/New Year period Seniors Centres With restrictions easing, many Seniors Centres have re-opened for programs and support services. Please consult with Centres via phone or their websites prior to arriving to find out more and to comply with requirements. A summary of the seniors centres that have reopened is provided below:
• COTA ACT: will close from midday 24 December 2020 and reopen on 4 January 2021 Opening hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday Address: Hughes Community Centre, Wisdom Street, Hughes Call 6282 3777, visit https://www.cotaact.org.au or email [email protected]
• Canberra Seniors Centre: will close from 11 December 2020 and reopen on 11 January 2021 Opening hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday Address: 10 Watson Street, Turner Call 6248 9509, visit https://canberraseniors.org.au or email [email protected].
• Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club: will close from 21 December 2020 and reopen on 18 January 2021 Opening hours are 9:30am – 2:30pm, Monday to Friday Address: 101 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway Call 6293 4004, visit https://www.55plusclub.org.au/ or email [email protected]
• Woden Seniors: will close from 18 December 2020 and reopen on 18 January 2021 Opening hours are 9:30am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday Address: Corinna Street, Phillip All enquiries should be by email to [email protected]
Please note some Seniors Centres across Canberra are still closed and some centres are not running their full program of activities.
Ex-Service Organisations and Veterans Support Centres As the Ex-Service Organisations and Veterans Support Centre across Canberra are transitioning back to full delivery of programs and support services, please consult with organisations via phone or their websites to find out more and to comply with requirements. Below is a list of Centres that are open:
• Veterans Support Centre: will close from 21 December 2020 and reopen on 4 January 2021 Opening hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday Address: 9 Burkitt Street, Page Call: 6255 1599 or visit vscact.org.au
Page 11 of 16
• RSL Woden Valley Sub-Branch and Veteran Support Centre: will close from midday 18 December 2020 and reopen on 4 January 2021 Opening hours are 9:00am – 3:00pm, Monday to Friday Address: Grant Cameron Community Centre, 14/27 Mulley Street, Holder Call 6285 1931, visit rslwoden.org.au, or email [email protected]
• Canberra Legacy: will close from midday 18 December 2020 and reopen on 5 January 2021 – voicemail service will be monitored during this time Opening hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday and 9:00am – 12:30pm, Friday Address: 33 Geils Court, Deakin Call 6285 1800, visit www.legacy.com.au/canberra or email [email protected]
• ACT TPI: will remain available either by phone or email to offer support and advice throughout the December/January period Phone lines are open from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0417 291 546, visit www.acttpi.org, or email [email protected]
Clubs and venues across Canberra All venues will abide by strict social distancing measures, it is recommended that you book a table as walk-ins will only be available if there is capacity. Please call or refer to the venue’s website for individual lunch and dinner seating times and details on Christmas/New Year functions.
• Canberra Southern Cross Club o Jamison: view menu and seating times at https://www.cscc.com.au/jamison and to book a table please phone 6251 2255. o Tuggeranong: view menu and seating times at https://www.cscc.com.au/tuggeranong and to book a table please phone 6293 7200. o Woden: view menu and seating times at https://www.cscc.com.au/woden and to book a table please phone 6283 7200. o Yacht Club and Snapper on the Lake: view menu and seating times at https://www.cscc.com.au/yacht-club and to book a table please phone 6273 1784.
• Hellenic Club o Canberra City: view menu and seating times at https://www.hellenicclub.com.au/city and to book a table please phone 6162 6777. o Woden: view menu and seating times at https://www.hellenicclub.com.au/woden and to book a table please phone 6281 0899.
Page 12 of 16
• Raiders Club o Belconnen: view menu and seating times at https://www.raidersbelconnen.com.au/ and to book a table please phone 6254 1044. o Gungahlin: view menu and seating times at https://www.raidersgungahlin.com.au/ and to book a table please phone 6255 4111. o Weston: view menu and seating times at https://www.raidersweston.com.au/ and to book a table please phone 6287 8600.
• Vikings Club o Chisholm: view menu and seating times athttps://www.vikings.com.au/chisholm and to book a table please phone 6209 0200. o Erindale: view menu and seating times at https://www.vikings.com.au/erindale and to book a table please phone 6121 2116. o Lanyon: view menu and seating times at https://www.vikings.com.au/lanyon and to book a table please phone 6200 8406. o Tuggeranong Town Centre: view menu and seating times at https://www.vikings.com.au/town-centre and to book a table please phone 6208 6307.
Grant opportunities Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) Grants Program Applicates for the Supporting Younger Veterans Grants Program are now open and will close at 11:00pm AEDT on 5 February 2021. The Australian Government is inviting applications through a targeted competitive process to apply for grant funding under the Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) program.
The grant program aims to:
• deliver services to the younger veterans’ community that build community capacity for the future and complement services already provided by the Commonwealth;
• expand on existing or well-established services offered to the younger veterans’ community to new regions within Australia or in development of new services that will be offered in more than one location; and
• raise awareness of the important issues faced by the younger veterans’ community.
For further information about this opportunity and to apply, please visit Community Grants Hub website and GrantConnect.
Page 13 of 16
Translated resources If you or a friend, family, neighbour or acquaintance require access to health information in other languages, translated resources on COVID-19 are available online.
The ACT Government has partnered with SBS Australia to deliver essential information about COVID-19 in Canberra translated into eleven languages. These resources are available at: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/resources/translated-resources
The Australian Government Department of Health also has basic resources available in a wide variety of languages. Please note that this information is not specific to the ACT. These can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/resources/translated
If you or someone else require translating or interpreting services, call the national Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
Further information and support Government information • ACT Government COVID-19 information: call 6207 7244 between 8:00am and 8:00pm or visit https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/
• Canberra Health Services Access Mental Health: call 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065, or visit the website at https://www.health.act.gov.au/services-and-programs/mental-health/mental-health- and-wellbeing-during-covid-19
• Health Direct: call 1800 022 222 for the 24/7 phone service offering free health advice from a registered nurse or visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
• Connect in Canberra website: https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/connect-in-canberra
• Community Recovery Plan: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/community/canberra-recovery
Seniors Support • Council on the Ageing (COTA ACT): call 6282 3777 or visit https://www.cotaact.org.au/
• National Seniors: call 1300 76 50 50 or visit https://nationalseniors.com.au/
Page 14 of 16
Veterans Support • Open Arms: call 1800 011 046 for 24/7 support or visit https://www.openarms.gov.au/
• Domestic Violence Crisis Service: call the 24/7 phone service 6280 0900 or https://dvcs.org.au/
• RSL National: call 6280 4079 or visit http://rslnational.org/
Legal Support • Legal Aid can provide advice on a range of matters: call 1300 654 314 or visit http://www.legalaidact.org.au/
• Older Persons ACT Legal Service, run by Legal Aid: call 6243 436
• Older Person’s Advocacy Network has a dedicated COVID-19 support line which they operate in conjunction with Dementia Australia and National Seniors Australia: call 1800 171 866.
• Consumer Law Centre: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, call 6143 0044 or visit https://www.carefcs.org/consumer-law-centre
Mental Health Support • Red Cross Wellbeing Call Service: call the service on 02 6234 7630 between 8:00am and 4:00pm daily or register for a call by completing the CSD SmartForm: https://form.act.gov.au/smartforms/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=1540
• Lifeline Crisis Support: call 13 11 14 for the 24/7 phone service or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Friendline aims to free older people from loneliness and is not crisis support. Call 1800 427 287 Tuesday – Thursday 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday – Sunday 2:00 to 5:00pm, or online chat service Tuesday – Thursday 1:00pm to 4:00pm http://www.friendline.org.au/
• BeyondBlue counselling available 24 hours 7 days a week, call 1300 22 4636 or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• My Compass, a personalised self-help tool for your mental health, visit https://www.mycompass.org.au/Seniors
• Be connected empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world by visiting https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/
Page 15 of 16
• Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/separation-anxiety-in-the-already- lonely-supporting-older-and-vulnerable-people-who-live-alone/
• Relationships Australia: call 1300 364 277 or visit https://www.relationships.org.au/relationship- advice/crisis-help
• Canberra Health Services Access Mental Health: call 1800 629 354 or 02 6205 1065 or visit the website at https://www.health.act.gov.au/services-and-programs/mental-health/mental-health- and-wellbeing-during-covid-19
Women’s Information Line • Women’s Information Line: provides information and referral to a range of services across the ACT, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, call 6205 1075.
Housing Support • OneLink: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm. Provides links to support and housing services in the ACT. Call 1800 176 468 or visit https://www.onelink.org.au/
• The Tenancy Advice Service, run by Legal Aid, can advise renters on their rights. Call 1300 402 512.
Food Support • Canberra Relief Network – Call 1800 43 11 33, email [email protected] or https://canberrarelief.com.au/
Accessibility
The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues, accessible to as many people as possible.
If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format – such as large print or audio – please telephone (02) 6205 0282.
If English is not your first language and you require the translating and interpreting services – please telephone 131 450.
If you are deaf or hearing impaired and require the National Relay Service, phone 133 677 then ask Page 16 of 16 for 133 427