Get Help

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, in fact it shows strength. So if you need help, please reach out.

Here is a list of the some of the support services available.

Food

Food relief providers

Social media groups

Longer Term Supports

Financial support

Payments to Council

Council has a hardship policy to provide flexibility to those experiencing financial hardship offering flexible repayment schedules that suit your individual circumstances. If you are experiencing financial difficulty we strongly encourage you to enter into a rates payment arrangement or contact Council directly on 03 5261 0600.

At all times, low income ratepayers and cardholders of a valid Pensioner Concession, Health Care, Commonwealth Seniors, Department of Veterans Affairs or Repatriation Card may apply to defer rate payments if they are experiencing financial hardship.

Find rates forms on the Forms and Permits page

DHHS has a list of financial support options available for individuals, families and businesses


Financial support for individuals and families

There is financial help available:

Australian Government Federal Treasury information

 

Jobs Hub

 

Red Cross Emergency Relief for People on Temporary Visas – Financial Assistance

Emergency Relief services 

Emergency Relief is a service for those experiencing financial hardship.

Emergency Relief can include food parcels, supermarket vouchers, assistance with bills and other financial support services. 

Bethany Community Support (03) 5278 8122

Catholic Care Geelong (03) 5221 7055

SalvoConnect Barwon (03) 5223 5400

Uniting Barwon (03) 4210 1100


Having trouble paying your bills?

Contact your electricity, gas, phone and/or internet provider, insurance company/ies, private health fund, and bank (if you have mortgage repayments), to see what they have in place to support their customers/members experiencing financial hardship.


Employment skills and workshops

The Gordon Geelong Skills and Jobs Centre offers many free events, workshops and services for anyone to access. Get help with your resume or interview skills, find ways to upskill, create work/career goals or perhaps take the first steps to explore a new industry.

See more tips and resources for job seeking, upskilling and studying on our Learning and Interests page. 

Internet Access and Mobile Data

Through certain mobile phone and internet providers, you may be able to access additional free data. Some providers are doing this automatically, for others you will need to contact your provider.

Mental health


In an emergency call 000


GP/Doctors are the entry point for non-emergency mental health support for people of all ages. If you are going through a tough time or are struggling, make an appointment today.

headspace Geelong

Young people (12-25 years) have the option to either access their GP/Doctor or their local headspace center.

headspace Geelong provide a range of services to improve the health and wellbeing of 12-25 year old's including; mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services.

(03) 5222 6690

Safe Minds fact sheet(PDF, 482KB)
Support Your Young Person During the Holidays fact sheet(PDF, 206KB)

Mental health phone lines and online support:

Lifeline

Crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.

13 11 14

Beyond Blue

Support and advice for people with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.

1300 22 4636

eheadspace

Mental health support for young people aged 12-25 years and their families or friends.

1800 650 890

Kids Helpline

Counselling service for people aged between 5 and 25.

1800 55 1800

Partners in Wellbeing

This free service offers one-on-one support to help you improve your wellbeing, develop strategies to cope and provide emotional support when and as you need it.
Partners in Wellbeing flyer(PDF, 326KB)

1300 375 330 

Information and resources:

For more tips see our Things to do page

Alcohol and other drugs


In an emergency call 000


Barwon Child, Youth and Family

Alcohol and other drug entry point, for young people and adults who need support in relation to their alcohol and/or other drug use.

1300 022 293

DirectLine (24 hour phone line)

Information, counselling and referral for alcohol and drug issues.

1800 888 236

Family violence and sexual assault


Anyone in immediate danger should call 000.


The Orange Door Barwon  

Entry point for those experiencing or perpetrating family violence.

1800 312 820 if you can’t call, you can an email and they will contact you as soon as possible from a private number (remember to delete the email from your sent folder) barwon@orangedoor.vic.gov.au 

The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Center

Entry point for those experiencing domestic violence, family violence and/or sexual assault. 

(03) 5222 4318 if you can’t call, you can an email and they will contact you as soon as possible from a private number (remember to delete the email from your sent folder) reception@safvcentre.org.au

Safe Steps (24 hour phone line)

Connects women and their children with specialist support workers who help them explore their options, develop a safety plan and access supports that allow them to live safe from family violence.

1800 015 188 if you can’t call, you can an email and they will contact you as soon as possible from a private number (remember to delete the email from your sent folder) safesteps@safesteps.org.au

Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hour phone line)

State-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.

1800 806 292

Family violence phone lines and online support:

1800Respect

Counselling and information for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

1800 737 732

MensLine

Counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.

1300 78 99 78

With Respect

Resources, tips and advice for LGBTIQ people on healthy relationships and family violence.

1800 542 847

Information and resources:

1800Respect App for Women with Disability
Designed by women with disability and 1800RESPECT, Sunny is a free new app that supports women with disability to understand sexual assault, domestic and family violence, know their rights and reach out for support.

Housing and crisis accommodation

SalvoConnect Barwon

Housing entry point for adults and families experiencing homelessness. 

(03) 5223 5400

Barwon Child Youth and Family

Housing entry point for young people (12-25 years) experiencing homelessness. 

(03) 5226 8900

Salvation Army Crisis Services (24 hour phone line)

Crisis and emergency accommodation services and support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

1800 825 955                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

If you're still having trouble finding help call our customer service team on 5261 0600 or send us a message online.