The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on an international scale.
It is understandable during times like this that people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus.
While it is important to stay informed, lifeline.org.au and beyondblue.org.au have some mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other during these difficult times.
We would like to reassure Australians the Lifeline telephone, text and webchat services will continue as normal throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
To contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days)
- Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm to midnight AEDT, 7 nights)
- Chat online: lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm to midnight, 7 nights)
To contact Beyond Blue
Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative
The Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative expands the Victorian coronavirus hotline by partnering with the Australian Red Cross whose volunteers have been trained in psychological first aid to provide emotional support and help to callers who may be distressed or anxious. They will then link people to UnitingCare as the local community connector to ongoing practical, emotional and social supports.
The community can call the hotline on 1800 675 398 and press three to speak to an Australian Red Cross volunteer or connect directly with UnitingCare on 02 6048 6900.
RED Cross COVID connect
If you are not in regular contact with others, the Red Cross COVID Connect service can help you. Their team of volunteers are there to call you – once or regularly – for a friendly chat to help maintain or improve social connection.
Register online at redcross.org.au/get-help/community-services/covid-connect