COVID-19 Youth Services Directory
About this directory
If you are finding the COVID-19 pandemic a difficult time, that's totally understandable – and you are not alone.
This directory has information about services available to young people in Cardinia Shire during
COVID-19, as well as links to useful information. It is split into the following categories:
- Food, financial or housing support
- Employment
- Mental health support
- General health
- Family violence and sexual health support
- Education
- General services
If you can't find what you need, please call us on 1800 496 884 to speak to someone from our Youth Services team.
Food, financial or housing support
In addition to the services listed in the tables below below, click on these links to visit our information hub to find out more about these initiatives:
- Australian Government assistance for individuals and households
- Victorian Government assistance for individuals and households
- Government assistance for businesses
- Council's Community and Business Support Package
- Directory of local relief service providers
- Child care relief package (in the Families with children section)
- Gas and electricity bills if you're struggling to pay
- Scams
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Organisation name
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Echo Youth and Family Services
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Service being provided |
Food aid, financial services, youth mentoring, playgroups, school chaplaincy and digital mentoring to support young people and their families. Echo is currently offering food aid for people in need across the Hills at The Food Store in Cockatoo every Monday. Please call St Luke's Church in Cockatoo on 5968 8459 and leave a message that you need food. You will be contacted to arrange a pick-up time (in line with physical distancing requirements). Cockatoo and Hills No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides interest free loans for people on low incomes across Cardinia Shire, for essential household goods or other necessities. To discuss a loan call 0427 895 596 or visit the website at www.hillsnils.org.au |
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Contact
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Contact hours |
Food aid for people in need across the Hills at The Food Store in Cockatoo every Monday. |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
Family violence and homelessness response services. The Berwick, Cranbourne, Frankston and Pakenham offices are temporarily closed, but the Dandenong office is still open to provide support services for: • family violence People experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of housing breakdown should contact us immediately. |
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Contact
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Ph: 9791 6111 (Dandenong office) or 9703 0044 (Berwick) or email CaseyCardiniaYouth@wayss.org.au |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
Care packs for people who are unable to get support from family and friends. Priority will be given to you if you:
To request a care pack Email info@follow.church - please include your full name, phone number, address, Health Card card number with expiry date (if you have one), and how many dependent children are living with you. Please state in the email the reason for your application so we can respond to you as quickly as possible. To make a donation Email info@follow.church and you’ll be given the address at which to drop off non-perishable (in-date) foods and toiletries.
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Contact
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
Provides emergency relief in the form of vouchers as a way of assisting people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. |
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Contact
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51 Bald Hill Rd, Pakenham Ph: 5941 4906 Please call before visiting to make sure the store is open and able to assist you. |
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Organisation name |
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Service being provided |
For information about services offered in Victoria visit the Vinnies website |
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Contact
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2/70 Main Street, Pakenham VIC 3810 Email: pakenham.centre@svdp-vic.org.au Please call before visiting to make sure the store is open and able to assist you. |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
Contact them to arrange a payment plan if you are struggling to pay bills.For more info visit the Payment support page.
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Contact
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13 18 51 or via the online form You can also log in or register for an account at my.southeastwater.com.au (to set up a new account, just have your water bill handy). Once you log in you can update your account details, manage your bills, set up payment plans or request more time to pay. |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm or anytime online. |
Employment
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The Salvation Army/Transition to Work
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Service being provided |
Work alongside young people to help them reach their employment or education goals.
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Contact
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Tristan Hunt on 0408 207 384 |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
They have vacancies in the following industries:
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Contact
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Dianne at the Pakenham office on 0447 219 198
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |
Mental health support
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 000.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious during a time like this. It’s important to remind yourself that this is a normal reaction.
These organisations can offer you support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Organisation |
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Service being provided |
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Contact |
Corner Main St & McGregor Road, Pakenham 1800 367 968
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Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 6pm. When we are closed please contact Headspace Narre Warren for more information |
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Organisation |
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Service being provided |
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Contact |
66 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren |
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Organisation |
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Service being provided |
Free or low-cost mediation and psychology/financial counselling services. Although face-to-face services have been suspended due to COVID-19, Better Place are still delivering a range of services to young people and families in Cardinia Shire via phone or video link. For example, Accessible Psychological Interventions (API) is a free, 10-session psychological intervention program funded by SEMPHN. Clients must be diagnosed or experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder to be eligible, and must live or work in the Cardinia Shire region. Clinicians in this program are qualified mental health professionals. You do not need a referral – call 1800 862 363 to find out more about this service. |
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Contact |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; limited after-hours appointments available. |
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Links |
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Organisation |
YSAS (Youth Support and Advocacy Service)
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Service being provided |
YSAS engages, supports and strengthens highly vulnerable and high-risk young Victorians affected by, or at risk of being affected by, alcohol, drugs, mental health issues and social disconnection.
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Contact |
Ph: 9701 3488 (drug and alcohol outreach team) |
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Organisation |
Kids Helpline (for people aged 5 to 25) |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 55 1800 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
Headspace (for people 12 to 25) |
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Contact |
Website: Group chats |
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Links |
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Organisation |
Reach Out (for under 25s) |
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Contact |
Website: Online forums |
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Links |
Coping during Coronavirus (COVID-19) This link will take you to information including:
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 13 11 44 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1300 65 94 67 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Links |
Mental health resources during COVID-19 This link will take you to information including: |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1300 22 4636 |
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Links |
Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service This link takes you to information including:
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1300 78 99 78 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Links |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians This link takes you to information including:
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 18 7263 |
Stay connected with others
- Make sure you reach out to the people you trust, like friends, family, neighbours and workmates via phone, e-mail, Facetime, Facebook video, WhatsApp video or other online services.
- Share how you feel and try linking with people who are in a similar situation as you. If possible, join an online forum, social media group or other online community to support others and yourself
Set up healthy daily routines
- A regular routine will help you feel happier and less bored. Your routine should include regular mealtimes, eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough sleep and keeping physically active around the house. Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
- If you continue to work during self-quarantine, try to stick to your normal work times. If you have spare time, consider doing tasks that give you a sense of achievement.
- If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing your smoking during this time.
Stay active
Physical activity is a proven way to reduce the effects of stress. Look for online content that could help you exercise, do yoga or learn a new healthy pastime. Dust off your home exercise equipment, and use the downtime to improve your fitness!
VicHealth has reviewed the best smartphone applications for healthy living
General health
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Service being provided |
Headspace Youth Health Clinic Dandenong and Narre Warren (please change the link to the updated form attached thank you) Providing youth friendly health care for people aged 12 to 25.Services include:
During COVID-19, GPs/nurses are available for telephone or video consultations, plus some face-to-face consultations.
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 367 968 |
Family violence and sexual assault support
You are not alone. If you feel frightened or need advice, help and support, or a safe place to stay during COVID-19, there are organisations that can help you.
When it’s safe to do so, contact or have someone you know contact safe steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or safesteps@safesteps.org.au so you can plan for your and your children’s safety – regardless of whether you want to stay in the relationship or leave.
- With more people staying at home to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, there may be an increased risk for victim survivors experiencing family violence.
- The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and self-isolation requirements may impact you or your family. There may be financial pressure, family tensions or a heightened sense of uncertainty and anxiety. No matter what the external stressors, violence should not be tolerated.
- Has the behaviour of your partner or family member/s made you feel threatened or unsafe? Family violence can include emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical or sexual violence, and coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include abusers restricting your movements, access to communication technology or isolating you from friends or family.
- It may be very difficult to reach out for assistance during the coronavirus emergency. Be assured that you have the right to feel safe, access medical support and maintain contact with friends and family. You also have the right to leave the house and won’t be fined if you do so.
- The DHHS website states that Victoria Police continue to address and prevent family violence as a priority. The police response remains unchanged.
- The DHHS website states that all Magistrates’ Courts are open. Family Violence matters – including Family Violence Intervention Orders – continue to be heard, with urgent and high-risk matters being prioritised.
- The Victorian Government is investing $40.2 million into more crisis accommodation and specialist services for people suffering or at risk of family violence during COVID-19. You can find out more in this media release.
Where to get assistance
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The state-wide access point for those who need to leave a violent situation and access emergency crisis accommodation. |
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Ph: 9791 6111, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (Dandenong office). Dandenong office open View information about Family violence support services |
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1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm every day) |
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| Sexual Assault Crisis Line | 1800 806 292 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) |
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Services include counselling for victim/survivors of sexual and physical assault, children from the age of 4 and adults, female and male. The centre also works with non-offending family members, partners, caregivers and support workers. Ph: 9594 2289 - 24/7 sexual assault crisis response. If there a recent sexual assault or family violence incident, please call this line. Ph: 9928 8741 (other enquiries) |
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| Men's Referral Service | 1300 766 491 (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday)
For men using controlling behaviour. |
| MensLine Australia | Support for Australian men, anytime, anywhere, if you have family and relationship concerns. Ph: 1300 78 99 78 |
| Child FIRST |
Each Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team (Child FIRST) team provides a central referral point to a range of community-based family services and other supports within specific areas. Cardinia Shire ph: 9705 3939 |
| Child Protection | To assist children and young people at risk of harm or where families are unable or unwilling to protect them. Ph: 1300 655 795 (South Division intake, which includes Cardinia Shire) (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays) |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 |
Other resources
- DHHS - Family violence support and information.
- Orange Door - has a range of family violence resources.
- Together We Can - family violence information flyer
- Fact sheet DHHS – Getting family violence support during Coronavirus
Education
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Service being provided |
Youth specialist disability employment service
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Contact
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
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Contact
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
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Contact
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Hallam YPEP Foundation Learning Centre |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday |
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Organisation name
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Service being provided |
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Contact
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Rosslyn Eden, Team Leader on 0451 189 940 or rosslyne@taskforce.org.au |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |
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Organisation name |
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Service being provided |
Supports people aged 17 and over to re-engage with education/training. Phone or email for further details and to discuss eligibility. |
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Contact
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Janet Sharp on 0423 335 926 or janets@taskforce.org.au |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm |
General services
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Service being provided |
Supporting youth aged 12 to 24.
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Contact
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Contact hours |
The centre is closed until further notice, but young people can still get support from our Youth Services team over the phone from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. |
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Organisation name |
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Service being provided |
Services include:
For more information visit Casey Cardinia Libraries |
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Contact |
Pakenham Library |
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Contact hours |
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |
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Organisation name |
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Service being provided |
This program connects at-risk and vulnerable young people aged 7 to 20 with a positive adult role model, and supports volunteers to empower, guide and listen to young people as a fully trained mentor. The volunteer and the young person meet up at a time that suits them both, and are fully supported by a coordinator for a minimum of 12 months. Low or no cost activities are encouraged. |
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Contact
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Contact hours |
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