Written and supplied by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Coronavirus has changed the way we live and connect with people for now. Change can be hard. Many people are having problems, both financially and mentally. During times like this, it is important to know where you can get help.

Social and emotional wellbeing support services

With big changes in our lives, it is normal to feel worried, stressed, sad, tired or angry. Talking with family, friends, or someone you trust can help. You can also talk with an Aboriginal health worker or your GP.

There are a range of services to help people who are feeling upset or worried. Don’t hesitate to ask for support when needed and look out for others that you think might need help.

• Head to Health
  • Head to Health links to free and low cost phone and online social and emotional wellbeing services  from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations and includes COVID-19 specific information and support. Visit www.headtohealth.gov.au. For support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, visit www.headtohealth.gov.au/supporting-yourself/support-for/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples.
  • Lifeline 
    • If you are experiencing emotional distress or going through a difficult time and need someone to talk to, visit lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14.
    • Beyond Blue
    • Beyond Blue has established the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service to help people through the COVID-19 pandemic.  Call 1800 512 348 or visit coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au or www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people
  • Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
    • Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) is producing culturally appropriate resources to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to protect their social and emotional wellbeing through this time. Visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au for free posters.
  • Kids Helpline
    • Provides free help and support for children and young people. For more information, visit www.kidshelpline.com.au or call 1800 551 800.
    • Headspace
    • You can visit headspace.org.au/home/mind-body-spirit-culture-country/ for mental health resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
    • MensLine Australia
      • • • MensLine provides free support and counselling services for men. Call 1300 789 978 or visit www.mensline.org.au for more information.
          • Suicide Call Back Service
            • • The Suicide Call Back Service is a free telephone support service. The service can  provide immediate and follow-up counselling over the phone. The Suicide Call Back Service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467 or visit www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

            Many people have money problems because of the impacts of coronavirus. This can be stressful for people and their families. The Australian Government can help if you are having money problems due to coronavirus.

            Services Australia can help you with income support and support for households. Find out more about these services by visiting www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

            If you are eligible, the Australian Taxation Office might also provide help by giving you early access to your superannuation fund and minimum drawdown rate options for retirees. Help is also available for eligible businesses, including boosting cash flow and JobKeeper payments. You can find out more about these at www.ato.gov.au/coronavirus.

            You can also get free, independent and private advice from a financial adviser. You can access this by contacting the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

            More information

            It is important to get information from official sources. Visit www.health.gov.au for the latest advice and check out the Department of Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources.