financial hardship support & community resources

If you or someone you know needs urgent emotional or safety support: 

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Crisis support and counselling, available 24/7

1800RESPECT - 1800 224 636

Confidential support for family violence and abuse

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Mental health support any time of the day or night

National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007

Free independent financial counsellors who can help with hardship arrangements, overdue bills, debts and collections, budgeting support and negotiating with lenders. 

Utility Relief Grant (Victoria)

Help with overdue electricity, gas and water bills if you're experiencing temporary financial hardship. 

Electricity/Gas Retailer Hardship Teams

Most providers offer payment plans, extensions and tailored hardship programs.

Telco Hardship Programs

Most providers provide flexible options if you're struggling with phone/internet bills. 

Ask Izzy - https://askizzy.org.au/

A national direction for food relief, housing support, essentials and local community services

Low cost or free food assistance across Australia: 

Foodbank - https://findfood.foodbank.org.au/vic/find-food/

OzHarvest - https://www.ozharvest.org/food/receive-food-individuals/

Emergency financial assistance, food parcels, clothing and family support: 

St Vincent de Paul: https://www.vinnies.org.au/vic

Salvation Army: https://salvationarmy.or.au 

WIRE Women's Information - 1300 134 130

Support, counselling, financial capability and wellbeing services for women and their families

Good Shepherd Australia - https://goodshep.org.au/

Programs for family support, safety, wellbeing and financial resilience.