We are currently experiencing in Australia and around the world the impacts of the coronavirus also known as COVID-19. It is understandable to be feeling overwhelmed, anxious and confused by everything you may be hearing or seeing on the news or in your community right now.
It might be difficult to understand the mixed information that you may be seeing online, on TV or hearing about from people at school or in your community. This confusion may cause you to feel stress or emotions that you are not used to feeling. During this time, some of the regular things you do in your day to day life may be affected. This is to try and contain the spread of the virus. It is important seek out different types of support during this time. What you need may change, but there are may services who are here to support you.
If you, or someone you know, would like to talk to somebody about how you are feeling then there are some great places that can support you and provide information on ways to cope with the stress related to COVID-19.
headspace
Tips to maintain a healthy headspace during this time: headspace have an awesome page with information about how you can keep a healthy headspace during this time
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
Banyule Youth Services support
Our Youth Workers are available to provide a range of support to young people, parents and carers. Support options include regular information, advice and tips straight to your Inbox via email, Facebook, Instagram or text messages or we can chat to you over the phone, video call or message to support you during this time. Please fill in our Expression of Interest to connect with Banyule's Youth team to indicate what kind of support you would like.
One on one sessions with a youth worker via phone or video calls are available to support you with:
- Practical wellbeing strategies
- Keeping busy whilst social distancing
- General support and referral (support is not suitable for acute or crisis care)
Session bookings for one on one chats can be made Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm by emailing banyuleyouth@banyule.vic.gov.au, calling 94579855 or filling in our Expression of Interest to connect with Banyule's Youth team
More information about Individual Support options can be found here.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue have a range of resources and support options for young people and the community during this time. They include an online community forum for Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak, resources about seeking help, wellbeing and other fantastic information that is accessible on their website. They also have free online chat, email and support line (1300 22 4636)
eHeadspace
eHeadspace - if you prefer to talk to someone online, then eHeadspace is a great option for this. You can find them here - https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Kids HelpLine
Kids HelpLine are available for people of all ages to call and get support (not just for kids). Find out more about them on their website here - https://kidshelpline.com.au/ or give them a call for free on 1800 55 1800 anytime 24/7
ReachOut Australia
ReachOut Australia have put together a great resource for young people about coping during Coronavirus. It has heaps of awesome tips for managing change, coping with stress, ways to manage your wellbeing plus more.
https://au.reachout.com/collections/coping-during-coronavirus
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind have some awesome resources specifically for helping to cope during uncertain time.Check out their free resources, app and tips for managing emotions and regularly checking in on your wellbeing. https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-mindfulness-can-help-during-coronavirus
Translated COVID-19 Videos
Right now, we’re experiencing higher rates of community transmission of coronavirus. That means it’s more important than ever we each do what we can to protect ourselves and each other. It’s why DHHS are recommending that everyone in areas with stage 3 restrictions wear a mask when outside their homes and if they’re unable to physically distance. If you, your family or friends are from a culturally and linguistically diverse community and know someone who would benefit from receiving these messages in their own language, you can access them via this youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbha5HB_rfeDlQgc39HfP08nYrAIRDzK2
Find out more information please visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/clothmask
YACVic A-Z support resource
The Youth Affairs Council have put together an alphabetical (A-Z) list of resources, information and support options for young people.
If you are requiring support for basic essentials such as food, please visit https://www.banyuleyouth.com/financial-emergency-material-aid-support for support local to Banyule.
Looking after your mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
The impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, physical distancing and isolation can make us feel anxious, stressed and worried. The Australian Government is providing 10 additional Medicare-subsidised psychological therapy sessions for Australians affected by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To access the additional sessions, you will have to have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (can access this via your GP) and ask for a review with the GP. This will allow people to continue to receive mental health care from their psychologist, psychiatrist, GP or other eligible allied health worker. Read about what you can do to look after your mental wellbeing and look out for those around you as we tackle these challenges together here: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/ongoing-support-during-coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions
If you or someone you know is feeling unwell or think you have 1 or more of these symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath, please contact the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 for direction. To keep to up to date, please visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update
To find out about and keep up to date with 'Stay at home' and 'Restricted activities' directions visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-stay-home-and-restricted-activities-directions-faq
Austin Health (Austin Hospital) has also created an online form which will assess your situation and symptoms relating to covid-19. Simply fill it out, hit submit and you will receive an immediate response about what you need to do next. You can access the form here: https://c19.austin.org.au/user
