Hello,
The Australian Government has funded a dedicated helpline – the Disability Information Helpline – to provide accessible information, counselling and outreach services for people with disability who are concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
I am contacting you to provide more information about the Helpline, and to seek your support in communicating with your networks.
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About the Disability Information Helpline
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The Disability Information Helpline is available for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Helpline can help families, carers, support workers and services, too.
The Helpline is free, private and fact-checked.
People can contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 to talk about their concerns in relation to COVID-19. For example, people can call the Helpline if their support worker has not turned up or their provider has stopped services; or if it’s hard to get essential items like food or medications.
The Helpline can provide information, and refer people to advocacy, counselling and other supports.
The Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST) and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm (AEST). It’s not available on national public holidays.
For more information, visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp.
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Communicating about the Helpline
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The Australian Government and its Helpline partners are working to raise awareness of the Helpline.
I would be grateful if you could communicate with your networks and communities about the Helpline, too.
Communication ideas include:
- Post messages on your social media channels
- Publish information on your website
- Include an article in your newsletter
- Share accessible resources (available here)
- Forward this message.
Here is a kit that can help with your communications, including content for your newsletter, website and social media.
Images are also available for you to use: Image 1 – Image 2 – Image 3.
Accessible information, including Easy Read and Auslan resources, are available at www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp.
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Trauma-informed counselling is also available
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Trauma-informed counselling is available to help people with disability who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation.
The National Counselling and Referral Service, which was established to support the Disability Royal Commission, will continue to offer emotional support to people with disability, their families and carers.
This service is delivered by Blue Knot Foundation. It is available for people with disability who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission.
This service is free, independent and confidential. It is available over the telephone and online, and a video conference can be arranged where needed. Referrals to advocacy and long-term counsellors can be arranged as well.
Contacting the service does not mean someone has to make a submission to the Disability Royal Commission.
Call the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468 or 02 6146 1468 (9am to 6pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm weekends). If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, phone the National Relay Service on 133 677.
For more information, visit dss.gov.au/disability-royal-commission-support.
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Thank you,
Madeleine Clifford
On behalf of the Department of Social Services
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