Social support
There are many crisis and support services in and near the city centre that can help with everything from accommodation and food to legal advice and financial aid.
Social Support Directory
The Social Support Directory is an online search tool and directory of community support services throughout Melbourne city and its surrounding suburbs.
Visit Social Support Directory.
Emergency phone counselling
Contact the following organisations for emergency phone counselling:
Direct Line
Phone: (03) 9416 1818 or 1800 888 236
Kids Helpline
Phone: 1800 551 800
Lifeline
Phone: 13 11 14
Men’s Line
Phone: 1300 789 978
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Phone: 1800 806 292
Suicide Helpline
Phone: 1300 651 251
Housing and homelessness
The City of Melbourne is committed to addressing homelessness and creating sustainable pathways out of homelessness. It acknowledges that affordable housing has a role in contributing to socially and economically sustainable cities.
Visit Housing and homelessness.
Begging
The City of Melbourne recognises that some people are faced with a dilemma if asked for money by people who beg. The reasons are complex.
Visit Begging.
Publications
Helping Out booklet
The City of Melbourne's Helping Out booklet provides a list of free and cheap support services available from more than 70 organisations. The list includes food, accommodation, health services, drug and alcohol services, and legal advice.
The free booklet is available from the front counter at Melbourne Town Hall in Swanston Street or you can download it here:
Strengthening Community Organisations
The monthly 'Strengthening Community Organisations' eNewsletter is a communication tool which links Council to the community sector. Formerly known as the 'Community Development Email List', the aim of the eNewsletter is to:
- keep organisations informed of programs and initiatives Council runs, such as community grants;
- pass on relevant information of programs and initiatives other levels or government or other organisations run;
- pass on information in a timely and efficient way; and
- pass on information that will help strengthen and build the capacity of community organisations.
For enquiries, email commstrength@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
If you wish to receive your own copy each month, just sign up.
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