Single mums with COVID may find themselves incapable of caring for their child or themselves
As single parents we know many factors surrounding illness and Covid in the family are often much more complicated and challenging than they are for a two-parent family.
Single mums are the head of the household, so all responsibilities usually fall squarely on their shoulders – but what happens if that mum is incapacitated by illness?
Struggling day to day when you or your child is ill is often a big worry at the forefront of a single mum’s mind. Especially when many mums are not being told – or are unaware – of certain systems already in place to support and help single parents.
One of our legendary single mum support group moderators has realised many mums simply don’t know that support is available for them! She’s put together this comprehensive state-by-state list of support services available to single mums in their time of need…
National websites & support
www.Health.gov.au
The government’s own health website, Health.gov.au Have many resources that you may not be aware of. You’ll find relevant information for each state outlining help – from food relief, to support and even Family Domestic Violence.
COVID@Home can also provide support and respite for single parents through the Covid Hotlines for each state. Whether your child has covid and you need a rest, or you have Covid and need additional support to care for your children. Support can include food relief, medicines and extra comfort and support for you and your Child/ren. At times, even respite can be arranged if you are unable to care for yourself or your child. Additional support is also provided if needed for Domestic Violence.
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger
1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service)
Phone: 1800 737 732 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Website: www.1800respect.org.au
State-by-state support for single mums
Victoria
Victorian Government COVID Support
Getting help | Coronavirus Victoria
24/7 Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398
Relief payments available
Sick Pay Guarantee: The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee provides up to 38 hours of sick and career’s pay to Victorian casual and contract workers in certain jobs. You can complete an application form at: https://www.vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee
Mental health and wellbeing
If you’re having a difficult time or are feeling overwhelmed, you can see these resources or call 1300 375 330 to get support through your local Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub. In an emergency where there is immediate risk of harm to a person, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Food relief, emergency accommodation and Support
Food and essential item relief packages
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
Safe steps
Safe steps are 24/7 family and domestic support for Victorians.
They are open every day of the year, including public holidays.
New South Wales
NSW Government COVID Support
National Coronavirus Helpline
1800 020 080 (24-hour help)
Food relief and financial support
Financial support for individuals and households | Service NSW
Food charities
OzHarvest: www.ozharvest.org/food/receive-food-indivduals/
Phone: 02 9516 38 77
Foodbank: www.foodbank.org.au/
Phone: 02 9756 3099
Email: office@foodbanknsw.org.au/
Secondbite: https://www.secondbite.org/
Anglicare emergency assistance: www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/food-and-financial-assistance/help-with-food/
St Vincent de Paul food services: www.vinnies.org.au/page/find_Help/NSW/Food/
Phone: 13 18 12
Salvation Army Emergency Relief Team: 1300 371 288
Mental health & additional support
NSW Health Public Unit – For all enquiries for additional support for mental health, extra care for help and non-urgent medical needs.
Phone: 1300 066 055
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
NSW government Domestic Violence support
Website: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence
Phone: 1800 656 463
Northern Territory
NT Government COVID Support
Food relief and emergency support
Food relief can be found through this link DSS Grants Service Directory of a number of helpful services.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
TeamTALK
You may want to access TeamTALK if:
Phone: 1800 832 600
Anytime between 8am and 8pm seven days a week
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
Tasmania
Tasmanian Government COVID Support
You can call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 and a staff member will help direct you to the services you need.
Emergency relief support | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Emergency relief services are delivered by community organisations, providing immediate financial and other support to people in financial crisis.
The type of assistance offered by each organisation varies, however may include one-off assistance such as:
COVID@home program | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Food relief
Food relief:
Emergency food relief | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Update food support services | Devonport City Council
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
Queensland
Queensland Government COVID Support
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hotlines for available support (www.qld.gov.au)
Food relief and support
Emergency Relief Program | Community support | Queensland Government
Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/emergency-relief-program
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
DVConnect Womensline
Phone: 1800 811 811
South Australia
SA Government COVID Support
Care and support | SA.GOV.AU: COVID-19
Website: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/health-community/care-and-support
SA COVID-19 Testing Isolation Payment
A single payment of $300 available for eligible people who need to quarantine while awaiting a COVID-19 test result.
You (or someone you care for) must meet all the following criteria. You must have:
In addition, you must:
To check your eligibility and to apply, complete the Online application form.
If you need assistance, call 8226 2500.
Food relief
St Vincent de Paul
Phone: 1300 729 202
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
Western Australia
WA Government COVID Support
WA COVID Care at Home (healthywa.wa.gov.au)
Food Relief
Website: https://waconnect.org.au/food/
Family and Domestic Violence
Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)
Don’t be afraid to ask if any additional support to your covid hotline after registering. They are there to help you in your time of need.
Do you know of any other support organisations single mums can access? Please comment them below! We will keep adding to the list.
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