Inner Sydney Voice understands that the current lockdown extension is a difficult time for everybody. With the help of community organisations across inner Sydney, ISV has created a list of services that are operating during this period. If you have any queries, please call our office on 9698 7690 so that we can assist you. We are committed to supporting the community during this challenging time, so if you have an inquiry about services or need support please don’t hesitate to contact us.

ABORIGINAL SUPPORT

The Aboriginal Affairs NSW website is hosting a new resources page for Aboriginal communities.

CESPHN has produced an online list of coronavirus resources.

Aboriginal Medical Service remains open but has transitioned from face-to-face to phone-based consults. Call 9319 5823 for an appointment.

NSW Health has produced a list of COVID-19 testing clinics for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. NSW Health asks that you contact the clinic before to ask further questions, or the Health Direct Hotline on 1800 020 080.

Aboriginal Housing Office is continuing to assist with urgent housing enquiries — call 1800 727 555.

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre continues to operate its services by telephone on 02 9569 3847 or free phone 1800 686 587.

Kari is an Indigenous social support service. Call 8782 0344.

AGED CARE

A COVID-19 support line for senior Australians is operating Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am-6.00pm. Call 1800 171 866.

Holdsworth Community provides shopping, meals and transport to medical appointments. Call 9302 3600.

South Eastern Community Connect provides remote services for seniors. Call 8338 8506.

Bilingual home care services available at Sydney Multicultural & Community Services. Call 9663 3922.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Lifestart is providing supports through online sessions, phone, and email. Call Lifestart’s Client Engagement Team on 1800 953 390.

Kids Helpline is there to help children who are feeling stressed and anxious about COVID-19. Kids of all ages can give them a call, start a WebChat or send them an email.

DISABILITY SUPPORT

Disability Information Helpline is available on 1800 643 787 for all your COVID-19 questions.

DRUGS

NSW Users and AIDS Association has a list of COVID lockdown support services. For  more information call 1800 644 413.

EDUCATION

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAFE NSW is offering a number of fee-free short courses that can be completed in just days or weeks, offering practical skills and experiences across a range of industries.

EMERGENCY RELIEF

Red Cross Australia — 1800 733 276.

FAMILY

Barnardos offers a family support service — call 1800 066 757.

Botany Family & Children’s Centre proves a family support service including counselling, casework, support and referrals. Call 9666 5074/0436 116 352.

Family Advocacy and Support Services offers assistance by phone. Call 9219 6300.

ReachOut is a web-based service providing information, tools and resources to help parents and carers support 12 to 18-year-olds in their family environment. Call 8029 7777.

FINANCE

The Glebe Assistance Partnership Program provides emergency relief with financial issues. Call 9552 4164.

Good Shepherd is resuming its providing a COVID support hotline. The organisation can be contacted on 1300 121 130.

National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service helping people tackle their debt problems. Its professional financial counsellors can advise people about how to get through the next few months as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and provide help around accessing hardship arrangements. Call 1800 007 007.

Rental Arrears Haymarket Foundation offers remote assistance to single clients 18-plus who are at risk of homelessness. Call 9197 9720.

FOOD

Food relief is available at Addison Road Community Centre.

Anglicare Emergency Relief is offering food assistance and energy vouchers. No face-to-face assistance — call 8624 8600.

For emergency food relief contact the Asylum Seekers Centre 9078 1900 (for interpreter 131 450).

Contact the Salvation Army for emergency food vouchers. Call 1300 371 288.

Meals on Wheels (City of Sydney only) is taking on new clients — call 8521 4230.

Frozen meals available at Surry Hills Community Connect — call 0438 494 189.

HEALTH

Service NSW has a hotline providing people and business operators health advice throughout the latest lockdown. Call 13 77 88.

Telehealth is now available to all Australians and will be covered by Medicare if you are a Commonwealth concession card holder, a child under 16 years or a vulnerable patient. Whether you are feeling unwell, with a respiratory illness or another condition, or if you need a doctor’s consult for any reason you can access telehealth through your telephone or video conference platform. More details here.

Healthdirect operates a 24/7 hotline staffed by nurses who can provide guidance regarding COVID symptoms. Call 1800 022 222.

HOMELESS SUPPORT

Shelter NSW offers emergency accommodation and support. Call 1800 152 152.

HOUSING

Department of Communities and Justice is continuing to provide essential services during the extended COVID lockdown.

Tenants’ Union of NSW has created a Renters’ Guide to COVID-19.

Mission Australia has produced a COVID-19 support guide for public housing tenants. Access it here.

LEGAL SUPPORT

LawAccess NSW is providing free legal help for people affected by the COVID-19 restrictions including: fines under the COVID-19 Public Health Order; COVID-19-related parenting arrangements; loss of employment or eviction from homes; COVID-19 immigration issues. Call 1300 888 529.

Aboriginal Legal Service is continuing to provide legal assistance for its clients. Call 1800-765-767 for police charges and court matters; 1800-733-233 for care and protection and family matters.

Australian Centre for Disability Law is operating a Covid-19 Assistance Project that provides free legal assistance to people with disability and their associates who have experienced legal problems due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Seniors Rights Service offers free legal advice on many legal issues to older people in NSW, as well as a comprehensive referral service. Call 1800 242 079.

Inner City Legal Centre continues to provide the usual services, but via phone. Call 0466 724 979, or email iclc@iclc.org.au.

HIV/AIDS Legal Centre is providing all services by phone, except in exceptional circumstances. Call on 02 9206 2060, or email at halc@halc.org.au.

Homeless Persons’ Legal Service is operated by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. It continues to operate its legal clinics by phone. Call 02 8898 6545 for more information.

LGBTQI+

ACON provides COVID information for the LGBTQI+ community.

Equality Australia has produced a report about the specific issues facing LGBTQI+ people in Australia due to COVID-19 and its impacts.

Twenty10 is hosting its social programs online. To join, email hangout@twenty10.org.au

MEDIA

SBS has news and information about COVID-19 available in more than 60 languages.

ABC News has rolling coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health Commission of NSW has gathered evidence-based advice and tips to boost mental wellness during the COVID crisis.

Beyond Blue has launched a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your mental health during this time.

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14.

Headspace provides resources and support for young people.

Mental Health Foundation Australia has produced an online resource to help people cope with anxiety and stress during the COVID outbreak.

Australian Psychology Society has produced information sheets that give tips on maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MindSpot offers an online course for people 60+ years. It aims to help older adults learn to manage stress, anxiety, worry, low mood and depression.

STUDENTS

Study NSW has developed an International Student Welfare Services Hub to help support international students during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The office of Australian Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi has compiled a list of resources for international students during COVID-19.

WOMEN

Domestic Violence NSW is the state’s peak body offering support and advice. Call 1800 737 732.

Women’s and Girl’s Emergency Centre is continuing to offer support to women and families experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence. Call 9319 4088 8.30am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

UNIONS

ASU Jobs Connect is a free service for union members to find work where there is now high demand.

YOUNG PEOPLE

Youth Action has created a COVID-19 resource.