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Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs - For individuals
Common questions relating to physical and mental health support during the Coronavirus situation. 
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful. Fear and anxiety about a disease can cause strong emotions in adults and children.
The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme has announced a range of measures to support NDIS participants and providers. If you have a speech or hearing impairment you can call the National Relay Service on 133 677. The Barwon Disability Resource Council provides individual advocacy and support. Contact details are: Leisure Networks provides NDIS Disability Support Services financial plan management services and support coordination services via video conferencing. Inquiries should be directed to the Customer Engagement Team on 03 5222 3911 or by emailing intake@leisurenetworks.org.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria provides resolution services conflict coaching information and advice about common civil (non-criminal) issues like neighbourhood disputes fences trees noise anti-social behaviour. For inquiries contact 03 5215 8591.
It is important for anyone experiencing family violence to know that family violence is never ok no matter the circumstances or situation.
  • Call police on 000 in an emergency
  • Contact The Orange Door on 1800 312 820 (people of any age gender sexuality culture and ability are welcome). Available from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday except public holidays.
  • Contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 If you are a woman or women with children experiencing family violence and you are in need of immediate help. This is a Statewide service and operates 24 hour 7 days a week.
Should you need support to help stop you using violence against your family please contact: 1300 766 491.
If you need financial support visit the Australian Government website for information about targeted support for people who are impacted financially by the coronavirus lockdown measures. The following agencies can provide you with advice about assistance that you may be able to access.
Anyone experiencing financial difficulities can contact the following agencies to ask about food relief which may be available:
Encompass Coronavirus Assistance Hotline is a telephone-based support service available free of charge. If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of distress financial hardship social isolation or anxiety please call 1800 943 055. The phone lines operate between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm from Monday to Friday.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in the first instance contact the 24-hour statewide crisis accommodation service on 1800 825 955. Other agencies may also be able to provide advice and assistance.
Information about support services for international students including food relief legal advice financial assistance and accommodation is available on the Study Geelong website. The site also has information on staying healthy and informed and links to Study Melbourne’s Covid-19 support page for international students.
Please see the information provided by Barwon Health on their COVID-19 and pregnancy page.
If you have a coronavirus disease-related question and need a translator:
  1. Call 131 450
  2. Then request the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398
Please visit the following sources for updated information: