Financial assistance
For more information on emergency relief payments, visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
Mental health and other support services
If you or a loved one needs extra support during this time, you can speak with your local doctor, a mental health professional or a counsellor or psychologist. It can also be helpful to talk to someone who is independent, but still understanding. The following services are here for you or others you know. You can also visit the Department of Health’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, the Better Health Channel for information or visit the Australian Red Cross website for information and resources.
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131 114 |
A 24-hour telephone service that offers confidential support and advice to help you deal with stress and personal challenges. |
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1800 733 276 |
The Australian Red Cross supports and visits people in communities where disaster has occurred to check on their wellbeing and make referrals to other agencies. |
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1800 825 955 |
The Salvation Army provides services for people during disaster and community recovery. |
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(03) 7037 6010 |
Provides psychosocial support including psychological first aid, emotional and spiritual care and personal support in relief and recovery centres and through community outreach, direct visits, community meetings and gatherings. |
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1300 224 636
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An information line that offers expert information on depression; how to recognise the signs of depression, how to get help, how to help someone else and how to stay well. |
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1300 789 978 |
A telephone support, information and referral service, helping men deal with their relationship problems. |
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1300 60 60 24 |
A 24-hour telephone service that allows people to discuss any health-related issue with a registered nurse for the cost of a local call. |
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13 22 89 |
Available 8:00 am to midnight. A 7 day a week telephone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old, which offers confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues. |
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1800 551 800 |
A 24-hour telephone service that provides phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. |
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1800 333 497 |
Access thousands of APS psychologists who are in private practice. Seek qualified and trusted psychologists for assistance in a range of areas. |
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1800 015 188 |
Emergencies put a lot of additional stress on close relationships and families as they struggle to deal with the stress. Safe Steps provides confidential support for women and children living with family violence. |
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1800 113 432 |
For free legal advice, assistance and referrals for people affected by a disaster. |
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| RSPCA Victoria | 03 9224 2222 | Provides emergency supplies for pets including food, shelter and other supplies. It can also provide advice and support to people on how to keep their pets calm in stressful situations. |
Returning home after an emergency
BetterHealth Channel and Victoria State Emergency Service provide detailed guidance when you are returning home after an emergency.
Health Translations have a variety of printable factsheets, translated into multiple languages.
Energy Safe Victoria provides advice for households that are without power and steps to restoration following an emergency .
Translated information
Printable English and translated factsheets are available on www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au:
- Returning home safely after a flood
- After the fire
- Food safety after a power outage
- Using alternative fuel and generators safely during a power outage
- Coping without electricity
- Sewage overflows at home
- Septic tanks in flood affected areas
- After the fire
- After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety
For a quick links:
