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Get help

There are a range of supports out there to help you when you need it. The information below provides contact details and links for service available to people in Hobart and across Tasmania.

If you have been directed to isolate because you are symptomatic and awaiting a test, are COVID positive, are caring for someone who is COVID positive, or have been advised to isolate as a close contact, the COVID-Care package is there to ensure that you can access the everyday basics of food, medicines and housing. If you or your family are affected by COVID, you can access these additional supports by contacting the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, and COVID-Care will be provided on request to those who need it through a flexible, individualised response.

Remember that you don't have to go through a difficult situation alone. There are services out there to help you.

If you need someone to talk things through with, or just need someone to listen, you can call A Tasmanian Lifeline which offers non-judgmental, one-off or ongoing support for anyone having a tough time. Call A Tasmanian Lifeline on 1800 98 44 34 from 8 am - 8 pm every day of the year, or book a call back via the booking form on the A Tasmanian Lifeline website.

Health

Physical Health Advice

Widespread testing of people with cold or flu-like symptoms (even mild) is vital to track and slow the spread of COVID-19. See all the latest information on the Coronavirus Tasmania website. If you feel unwell with a fever OR cough, sore throat or shortness of breath phone your GP or the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Need an interpreter? Phone the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and tell them your language. Tell the interpreter your name and that you're calling the Tasmanian Department of Health on 1800 671 738.

If you have tested positive to COVID, see the Tasmanian Government checklist on what you need to do to look after yourself and others. The Australian Government also provides information on what to do if you are COVID positive.

For information on keeping yourself, your family and community safe see the Tasmanian Government's COVID-safe behaviours.
For tips on how to prepare for your household for a COVID infection see these articles:
- ABC - Omicron has arrived, here's how to prepare for a COVID-19 case in the home
- Sydney Morning Herald - Preparing your home and first-aid kit for a COVID-19 diagnosis

Mental Health Advice

Looking after your mental health: For information on the range of mental health support services available for Tasmanians, including phone, in person and online supports.
For tips on how to handle isolation visit : Web MD or see this article from the Australian Psychological Society.

Family Violence

Safe at Home: The integrated response to family violence in Tasmanian. The website includes information on Victim and Offender Support Services, Financial Support as well as Court and Police Assistance. You can report or discuss family violence incidents via 1800 633 937 (24/7) although in an emergency always call 000.
Mensline: Telephone and online chat counselling for men needing assistance with emotional health or relationship concerns. Call 1300 78 99 78.
If someone is at risk or in danger, call 000.

Housing

Housing Connect: A one-stop-shop for all housing and support needs from emergency accommodation to long-term housing.
Tasmanian Tenants Union: Free legal advice for public or private housing rentals.
Safe Space: Operated by the Hobart City Mission for people sleeping rough or without shelter. Referrals to Safe Space are made through Housing Connect. Call 1800 800 588.

Food

The Tasmanian Government's COVID-Care package offers emergency food relief for people who are affected by COVID. You can access these additional supports by contacting the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, and COVID-Care will be provided on request to those who need it through a flexible, individualised response.

There are a number of food services operating from Mathers Place Precinct:

Circle of Love & Care – Mondays and Tuesdays | 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm at Criterion House
The King's Diner – Wednesdays | 6:15pm - 8:30pm at Criterion House
Dining with Friends – Last Thursday of each month | 6.00 pm at Mathers House
Food Not Bombs – Saturdays | 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm at Criterion House

Further food relief services available across Tasmania can be found on the TasCOSS Emergency Food Relief Directory.

Employment

Skills Tasmania is offering a wide range of JobTrainer courses which are available to eligible learners at no-cost.

Community services

Find Help Tas has an up to date listing of a wide range of services available to Tasmanians. Anything from child-care to emergency food to legal support, Find Help Tas also has a dedicated COVID-19 services page.
TasCOSS has a community noticeboard for updates to services being offered across Tasmania, including COVID-19 related assistance.
The COVID-19 Service Continuity Supplies Fund supports community service organisations to protect the workforce (paid and volunteer) to continue to deliver essential community services in line with COVID-19 Safety Plans. A total of $100 000 is available to provide financial assistance to community service organisations in Tasmania for the provision of Personal Protective Equipment, Rapid Antigen Tests for use by the workforce and other COVID-19 related supplies.

New City of Hobart website