As healthcare professionals we are in a unique position to support vulnerable members within our practice and link them into support services to support them during this prolonged isolation period.
It is also important to note that the mental health services may also be a beneficial resource to healthcare professionals currently under increased strain.
Useful links to supporting people in the community
- Telecross this Red Cross initiative can provide a daily telephone call to check on people who live alone and are at risk of an accident or illness that may go unnoticed.
- Friends for Good a volunteer driven not-for-profit organisation that supports people who wish to connect. The Friendline is casual and anonymous where people can chat about anything.
- Gather My Crew helps to activate a ‘support crew’ to help during tough times.
- #ViralKindness is a hub for the community care groups across the country to support people in need or in self-isolation during the coronavirus crisis. Whether it’s shopping for food, picking up medicine or a regular check in call. Offers Culturally and Linguistically Diverse options.
- SANE Australia provides a help centre with trained counsellors Mon -Fri 10am – 10pm and forums where people can connect.
- Beyond Blue offers free counselling by mental health professionals for all people in Australia 24/7, both online and over the phone.
- AusPost COVID-19 Home Delivery Scheme: Australia Post has teamed up with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to deliver under 500 grams of medication and other essential supplies via a contactless pharmacy home delivery service for free to vulnerable patients.
- Lifeline: Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- COVID-19 National Health Plan | Fact Sheet | Helping you get your medicine if you are confined to your home. This information sheet is for consumers and explains how Australians can get medical services and prescriptions if they are unable to leave home
- MediStays Accommodation supports patients, carers, families or hospital staff requiring self-isolation and trusted accommodation near hospitals.
- Ask Izzy – for people looking for support, Ask Izzy can help them to find the services they need, now and nearby, including housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, addiction treatment etc. It is free and anonymous and people on the Telstra mobile network, can access Ask Izzy even if they don’t have credit.
- Keep It Moving The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has launched this campaign which includes some simple exercises which can be done in a home office, kitchen or living room.
- Kidney Health Australia, up-to-date advice on supporting people with chronic kidney disease. Information regarding suspension of kidney transplants, how to stay safe and dialysis treatment.
- Meals on Wheels supporting nutrition needs for people in need.
- Head to Health for links to trusted Australian mental health online and phone supports, resources and treatment options. This useful website also has online programs and forums, as well as a range of digital information resources.
- 1800Respect Self-isolation and increased stress during COVID-19 will likely see an increase in domestic violence incidents. 1800RESPECT has highly trained and qualified counsellors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via phone and webchat.
- QuarantineChat: talk to someone else stuck at home
