If you need to speak to someone about the impact your job situation is having on you and/or your family, reach out to a service listed in the Looking after yourself section below.
Social Supports
There are a range of services designed to support individuals facing financial hardship and urgent basic needs. These services include food assistance (such as hampers and vouchers), help with paying utility bills and rent arrears, access to clothing and essential household items, and referrals to housing support, mental health services, and financial counselling. Additional support is available for families and individuals experiencing domestic violence or homelessness.
| Centrelink – Services Australia | Access to Australian Government payments and services to support you. | 12 Elizabeth Street, Alternatively, you can access the Find Us tool online. Enter your location and the type of service you are seeking to find a service centre near you. |
| George Town Neighbourhood House | Offer services including welfare services such as access to meals, social activities and support with Centrelink applications Legal Literacy Volunteers to assist with filling in forms and assistance with NILS Loans | 187 Agnes Street, George Town, TAS, 7253 Call: 03 6312 3019 Mon-Fri: 8:30 am - 4 pm |
| CatholicCare Victoria Tas | 201 York Street, Launceston, TAS, 7250 | Call: 1800 819 447 Office in George Town with Emergency Relief undertaken via phone-based service 8-10 am Mon-Wed |
| The Salvation Army (Tasmania) Property Trust | 111 Elizabeth Street, TSA utilises the George Town Neighbourhood House as an ER partner. | TSA’s Tasmanian Phone Assistance Line (PAL) Call: 03 6208 1488 Call: 03 6323 7500 Mon-Fri: 8:45 am - 4:15 pm |
| St. Vincent De Paul Society (Tasmania) Inc | 10 Boland Street, Launceston, TAS, 7250 | Call: 13 18 12 or 03 6333 0822 Mon-Fri: 9 am - 5 pm |
| Launceston Benevolent Society Incorporated | 5 Innocent Street, Launceston, TAS, 7249 | Call: 03 6344 4213 Appointments preferred. Mon-Fri: 9 am - 3 pm |
| The Helping Hand Association Incorporated | 2 Marlborough, Longford, TAS, 7301 | Call: 03 6391 2484 helpinghandatlongford@gmail.com |
| The Launceston City Missions Inc. | 48 Frederick Street, Launceston, TAS, 7250 | Call: 03 6335 3000 Mon-Fri: 8:45 am - 4:30 pm |
Looking after yourself
| Health and Wellbeing | Losing your job can be a difficult time. Talk to someone about taking care of you and your family’s mental health. | Beyond Blue Lifeline Australia Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre Access Mental Health Helpline Royal Flying Doctor Service Primary Health Support |
| Support for young people | Mental health support for young people aged 16-25 years. | Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation |
| Support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders | 13YARN is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers their community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns. | 13YARN (13 92 76) 13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24/7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders |
Financial assistance and advice
| Financial assistance | People older than 22 and below the pension age may be eligible for income support payments. * a copy of your Letter of Termination (or Consultation Letter) and your last payslip will be required. | Apply online or call: 132 850 |
| Financial Information Service | Services Australia’s free Financial Information Service is available to everyone. | Call: 132 300 (Say “Financial Information Service” when prompted). |
| Financial counselling | If you feel concerned about your financial situation, speak with a financial counsellor as soon as possible. | National Debt Helpline Mob Strong Debt Helpline, for Indigenous Australians |