This is a challenging time for many in the community. Whatever your situation, there are resources available to support you during this difficult time. Local providers have changed the way they deliver services for the safety of Casey residents. Many services are now online or provided through telephone hotlines.
The information below is current and accurate but may change without notice. Please call service providers to confirm what’s available to you.
Coronavirus testing at Fountain Gate
A mobile coronavirus testing site is now located at Westfield Fountain Gate.
The Victorian Government is urging people with mild symptoms to visit the mobile testing site, which is manned by doctors, nurses and pathology staff.
For information visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Type of services available
- Community information and support services
- Emergency food relief
- Housing and homelessness
- Rent relief grants
- Family violence support
- Financial and legal support
- Alcohol and drug support services
- Mental health support
- Sexual, reproductive, maternal and child health
- Translated resources
- Refugees and persons seeking asylum support
- Aged, disability and carer support
- Businesses in Casey
Community information and support services
Many organisations support Casey residents, including:
- emergency relief
- information
- financial help
- counselling support
- referrals
- financial counselling
|
Cranbourne Community Information and Support |
Phone: (03) 5996 3333 Services include:
All emergency relief interviews, counselling and financial counselling support will be delivered via phone or email. |
|
Casey North Community Information and Support Service |
Phone: (03) 9705 6699 Services include:
Services will be provided over the phone. |
|
The Andrews Centre (Endeavour Ministries) |
Phone: (03) 9700 4944 Services only available for people in Doveton and Endeavour Hills:
|
Emergency food relief
Emergency Care Packages are available for Victorians in mandatory self-isolation who have little or no food and no network of family and friends to support them.
To access an Emergency Care Package, please call the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 675 398.
There are also emergency relief services delivered by community organisations. These services help people with immediate basic needs in times of crisis.
|
Adra Café |
Phone: 0425 747 866 Phone orders for food hampers collection in Narre Warren North or home delivery |
| BAPS Australia (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) | Phone: 0451 104 236 Address: Delivery only Operating hours: 7 days, delivered after 6pm BAPS website Services include: • home delivery of fresh vegetarian meals |
|
Bk 2 Basics |
Phone: 0435 765 682 Services include:
|
|
Doveton Neighbourhood and Learning Centre |
Phone: 9791 1449 Services include:
|
|
Gethsemane Church Charity |
Phone: 0404 875 647 Services include:
|
|
Manna 4 life |
Phone: 0412 111 461 Services include:
|
|
Transit Soup Kitchen |
Phone: 0438 398 594 Services include:
|
|
Sikh Volunteers |
Phone: 0423 359 279 Services include:
|
|
Salvos Cranbourne |
Phone: (03) 5995 0133 Services include:
|
|
Theodora’s Cheerful Givers |
Phone: 0413 807 763 Services include:
|
|
Hampton Park Uniting Church |
Phone: 9799 7994 Services include:
|
Housing and homelessness
People may experience homelessness or risk being homeless due to coronavirus. Housing service providers deliver support, including crisis accommodation and affordable housing.
|
WAYSS Housing Support |
Phone: (03) 9791 6111 Address: 20 Princes Highway (PO Box 3) Dandenong VIC 3175 WAYSS website Services include:
The Berwick office is currently closed. Please phone the Dandenong office for an intake assessment. |
|
ERMHA (Eastern Regions Mental Health Association) Community Connections |
Phone: (03) 9706 7388 For people at risk of homelessness or who identify as being homeless. Currently providing services over the phone. |
|
Mission Australia Housing |
Phone: 1800 269 672 Provides support for people at risk of homelessness. |
Rent relief grants
Rent relief grants are available for Victorians experiencing rental hardship as a result of coronavirus.
Private rental tenants can apply for a one-off rent relief payment of up to $2000 under the Victorian Government's rental assistance fund.
Family violence support
There may be an increased risk of family violence, as more people stay at home to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Services are still operating to help women and children in family violence situations, including crisis accommodation.
In an emergency
Call 000 if in immediate danger.
|
WAYSS Women’s Integrated Services |
Phone: (03) 9767 6111 Services include:
Currently offering a phone-based service. |
|
Safe Steps: Family Violence Response Centre (24 hours) |
Phone: 1800 015 188 Services include:
|
|
1800 RESPECT (24 hours) |
Phone: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Services include:
|
|
InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence Service |
Phone: 1800 755 988 Supports women and children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. |
|
Djirra: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Service |
Phone: 1800 105 303 Services include:
|
|
With Respect: LGBTIQ+ Service |
Phone: 1800 542 847 Supports LGBTIQ+ communities and their families who are experiencing or have experienced family violence or intimate partner violence.
|
Financial and legal support
You may experience significant changes to your financial and employment status as a result of coronavirus.
The Australian Government is providing financial help, including:
- income support payments
- payments to support households
- temporary early release of superannuation
Visit the Treasury website for more information.
|
Peninsula Community Legal Service |
Phone: (03) 9783 3600 Services include:
|
|
Springvale Monash Community Legal Service |
Phone: (03) 9038 8002 Services include:
|
|
Victoria Legal Aid |
Phone: 1300 792 387 Services include
|
Services Australia
Service Australia provides information and services to help if you’re affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). You can also register to claim a Centrelink payment.
Further financial support for people affected by coronavirus
- Services Australia will pay a temporary $550 Coronavirus Supplement every fortnight. Payments begin from 27 April 2020 if you’re eligible.
- Service Australia will also pay a one-off $750 Economic Support Payment from 31 March 2020. These extra payments will go to those who received a previous payment or who hold an eligible concession card from 12 March 2020 to 13 April 2020.
- Please note: eligible people can receive only one Economic Support Payment. This is regardless of other payments they're receiving. The person must live in Australia to be eligible.
- Service Australia will also expand eligibility for some payments and make them easier to claim. A one-off Crisis Payment is available if you’re in severe financial hardship and either:
- need to self-isolate
- are caring for someone self-isolating.
- A Crisis Payment equals one week of your base income support payment.
- A second $750 Economic Support Payment is available from 13 July 2020. This is if you’re getting an eligible payment or have an eligible concession card on 10 July 2020. You won’t get this payment if you’re getting the Coronavirus Supplement.
You can find more information on the Services Australia website.
Legal services are available if you experience difficulties with:
- understanding your rights regarding:
- employment
- housing tenancy
- parenting and contact arrangements
- disputes over refunds for cancelled events or travel plans
- racism because of perceptions about where the virus came from
- other legal matters due to the coronavirus outbreak
Alcohol and drug support services
You may experience issues with alcohol and drug use under the complexity of the coronavirus outbreak. Please seek support from the alcohol and drug support services.
|
SECADA Drug and Alcohol Recovery Support |
Phone: 1800 142 536 SECADA is a group of several alcohol and drug agencies across the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire. SECADA partner agencies are:
SECADA offers a variety of services:
SECADA has a centralised intake system. Please phone SECADA for an intake assessment to access services. |
|
Narcotics Anonymous Australia (24 hours) |
Phone: 1300 652 820 Narcotics Anonymous brings people together in a supportive group to discuss issues around drug abuse. There are some changes to how regular meetings are run. Please phone the organisation for more information. |
|
Alcoholics Anonymous |
Phone: 1300 222 222 Alcoholics Anonymous provides a phone service and connection for alcoholics and problem drinkers. AA holds regular self-help groups for those who want to overcome their issues with alcohol. Meetings are now held via Zoom. |
Mental health support
It is important to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Speaking with friends or family can help as they can appreciate how you’re feeling.
There are also several mental health services you can access online or over the phone. You can connect directly with a health professional such as your GP, a psychologist, or other mental health professional.
The Australian Red Cross has launched a free hotline to provide support and community connection to people who are feeling socially isolated as a result of COVID-19.
Register online to receive a phone call, or call the 'COVID CONNECT' hotline on 1800 733 276.
In an emergency
Please call ‘000’ if you or someone you know is in danger and need an immediate response.
If you need immediate help but it’s not an emergency, you can call the following helplines. These helplines offer free, 24/7 phone-based crisis support and counselling:
- Lifeline – provides free crisis support, call 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website
- Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 or visit the Suicide Call Back website
Online and phone-based services
|
ERMHA – Eastern Regions Mental Health Association |
Phone: 1300 376 421 ERMHA provides services for people facing challenges from disability, mental illness, trauma or substance abuse. |
|
Beyond Blue (24 hours) |
Phone: 1300 224 636 People who are hearing impaired can contact Beyond Blue by phone using the National Relay Service. For non-English speakers, call TIS 131 450, then call 1300 224 636. This service listens, provides information and advice and refers people to further services. Beyond Blue also hosts some interactive group support forums. |
|
MindSpot – Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
Phone: 1800 614 434 MindSpot is a free digital mental health service – the first of its kind in Australia. The service provides assessment and treatment for symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s available by phone or online. Contact this service for:
|
|
Kidsline (24 hours) |
Phone: 1800 551 800 Provides free, private and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25. |
|
MensLine (24 hours) |
Phone: 1300 789 978 Provides a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relational concerns. |
General mental health services
General Practitioners
If you have concerns about your mental health, a good place to start is to speak with your GP. GPs can provide initial assessment and treatment for common problems, such as depression and anxiety. They can also refer you to other mental health practitioners, such as psychiatrists and psychologists. These practitioners can provide further treatment and support.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses:
- They can conduct medical and psychiatric assessments for more serious mental health conditions. They prescribe medication and can also provide psychological therapy.
- You need a GP referral to see a psychiatrist. You can claim rebates via Medicare.
Psychologists
- Psychologists have specific training in psychological assessment, counselling and psychological therapies. They can help people deal with a range of mental health problems like:
- depression
- anxiety
- relationship problems
- phobias
- substance abuse
- grief
- A psychologist can talk with people and look at any underlying issues that may affect wellbeing. They can also discuss more constructive ways of thinking about and managing issues.
- Your GP can prepare a Mental Health Plan for you to attend up to 10 sessions per year with a Medicare registered psychologist. There is usually only a small gap fee for these sessions.
|
Telehealth Mental Health Services |
Phone: 1300 886 007 Medicare made some telehealth mental health services bulk-billable from 13 March 2020 to 30 September 2020. Eligible people can access services through videoconferencing or telephone instead of attending a face-to-face session. You should check with your GP to see if you will be eligible to access these new telehealth services. You will need to set up a telehealth login to access. More information on bulk-billed telehealth services can be found on the Health website. |
Sexual, reproductive, maternal and child health
Women already face significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. This includes for contraception, termination, as well as pre and postnatal care. COVID-19 has created extra layers of complexity to this.
Sexual and reproductive health services are essential and are still available to support women during COVID-19.
In an emergency
Call '000' if in immediate danger.
Contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health services
|
1800 My Options |
Phone: 1800 696 784 Services include:
|
|
Family Planning Victoria |
Phone: 1800 013 952 Information, support and advice:
|
Pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding information
|
City of Casey Maternal and Child Health Line |
Phone: 9705 5590 Services include:
|
|
Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) |
Phone: 13 22 29 Services include:
|
|
Australian Breastfeeding Association |
Phone: 1800 686 268 Breastfeeding counselling service. |
|
Harmony Alliance |
Pregnancy and COVID-19 fact sheets Available in English, Arabic, Dari, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Punjabi, Hazaragi, Thai, Karen, Korean. |
|
Royal Women’s Hospital |
Advice for pregnant women on COVID-19 Information on pregnancy, feeding your baby and reducing your risk. |
Emergency and crisis support
|
1800 Respect |
Phone: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Services include:
|
|
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)
|
Phone: 1800 806 292 Services:
|
Support for children
|
Kids Helpline |
Phone: 1800 55 1800 Services include:
|
|
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation |
Phone: 1800 650 890 or chat online (individual or group chat on set topics) Services include:
|
|
Parent Line |
Phone: 13 22 89 Services include:
|
|
Parenting support and talking to your child about COVID-19 |
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for healthy parenting Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCOV outbreak How to talk to your child about coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) My Hero is You, Storybook for Children on COVID-19 Available in 14 languages. |
Translated resources
The DHHS has translated information on coronavirus. Translations are available for people from different cultures or who speak English as a second language.
If you’re concerned about coronavirus, please check symptoms via the DHHS. If you need an interpreter first call 131 450, then request the hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours).
For translations on coronavirus, visit the DHHS website.
Translations are available in the following languages:
|
|
Information relating to health and well-being during the coronavirus pandemic is also available in many languages. These translated health resources are produced by the Centre of Culture, Ethnicity and Health, which is funded by the DHHS.
For more information, please visit the Health Translations website.
Refugees and persons seeking asylum support
Refugees and people seeking asylum can face extra barriers to accessing services. There are specialist services for these vulnerable people living in Casey.
Please view translated resources for information around coronavirus in languages other than English.
|
Australian Red Cross Dandenong |
Phone: (03) 8327 7370 Services include:
|
|
Friends of Refugees |
Phone: (03) 9574 6291 Services include:
Please call the office to arrange the service. |
|
Catholic Care Refugee and Asylum seeker Support |
Phone: (03) 9287 5555 Services include:
This service is delivered via phone and video conferencing. |
|
Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre |
Phone: (03) 9767 1900 Services include:
|
Aged, disability and carer support
You may experience hardship due to the strict self-isolation measures and the extra demands of being a carer for your family. There are resources available for emergency respite.
For people 65 years or over (50 for aboriginal and Torres strait islanders)
- Visit the My Aged Care (MAC) website to enquire about extra support and services they might need during this time.
- More information about MAC, including contact details, can be found under Aged and Disability Care.
For people under 65 years (or 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) who are not NDIS eligible
- contact Council's Community Care program to access support and services on 9705 5444
- find more information on Aged and Disability Care
Free COVID-19 support line for senior Australians
This support line is for senior Australians, their families and carers. They can now call a dedicated free support line aimed at supporting the mental health of those affected by the spread of COVID-19.
This initiative is in partnership with:
- the Council on Ageing Australia (COTA)
- National Seniors Australia
- the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
- Dementia Australia
The phone line will be staffed with advisers who can offer practical help and advice.
The support line will operate Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 6 pm, except public holidays.
Please call the COVID-19 support line on 1800 171 866.
|
Alfred Health Carer emergency respite |
Phone: 1800 052 222 Provides emergency respite, information and resources, to assist carers in their role when in crisis. |
|
Carer Gateway |
Phone: 1800 422 737 (advice line) Provides information on emergency respite, phone counselling and support for carers' payments. |
|
Carers Victoria |
Phone: 1800 514 845 Carers Victoria maintains essential services for carers, including:
|
|
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) |
Phone: 1800 800 110 If you are an NDIS participant and you need extra support, contact the NDIS to request a plan review. If necessary, you could also contact the support coordinator or the providers who usually deliver services to you. |
Businesses in Casey
Businesses can find support or financial assistance available during the COVID-19 pandemic by using the Victorian Government's new finder tool.
The City of Casey has set up the Casey Business Helpline to provide individual and tailored support for local businesses during the pandemic.
The helpline provides businesses with information on relief packages available from both Federal and State Governments.
To contact the Casey Business Helpline, please call 9705 5200 and ask for one of our Economic Development officers.