Crisis Support – food, medical scripts and other essential supports
No money for food? Debt out of control? Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure what to do? Our Crisis Support (Emergency Relief) services can help. We help by assisting with the immediate crisis. The type of support differs depending on the situation of the client.
Our community centres are open to allow people access to our community pantries. We are also providing crisis support, but please ring to make an appointment so we can discuss your situation and assist you in finding a way forward. Please call 6293 6500. Please refer to our COVID-19 page for more information and the status of our services during lockdown.
How Do We Help with Immediate Needs?
We help people experiencing hardship and with immediate basic needs in times of crisis with:
- free food
- free clothing for interviews, funerals, and other important events
- payment of medical scripts (capped)
- bus tickets
- Telstra (phone) vouchers
- hygiene products
- shower packs
- phone charging and use of our phone
- information and referral to other supports
- access to showers – not available during the covid-19 lockdown
Who Do We Help?
We help anyone who asks. There are no eligibility criteria to access crisis support. Our services are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
We welcome the opportunity to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as well as people from diverse backgrounds.
Please download our Frequently Asked Questions about getting support here.
Crisis Support with COVID-19
Read: How to Apply for Centrelink and Help through the Process (click here)
View: List of resources to seek financial support, particularly during COVID-19 (click here)
Download: Free Meal and Emergency Relief Guide by Volunteering ACT (click here)
Helpful Resources
We have compiled a range of resources to support you during this time of COVID-19. Please visit our blog – A Helping Hand through COVID-19 Hardship – for detailed information.
Watch: How to get food and crisis support
Watch: Tuggeranong Community Centre and Asking for Help
Contact Information and Accessing Support
Our crisis support services are available by appointment only. Appointments can be made for:
Mondays: 12 PM to 3 PM
Tuesdays-Fridays: 9 AM to 3 PM
To access Crisis Support please make an appointment by calling 6293 6500 or using the Get In Touch form here.
Please note that our crisis support services are to support people at the time of crisis. We can help you if you’re in need, but we request you to not avail our services as an ongoing subsidy.
Other Useful Contacts to Get Help:
- OneLink 1800176468
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 6280 0900
- Emergency – Police, Ambulance, Fire 000
- Police attendance 131 444 (24hrs)
- ACT Police 6256 7777 (24hrs)
- Canberra Hospital 6244 2222
- Calvary Hospital 6201 6111
- Men’s Line 1300 789 978 (24hrs)
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 (24hrs)
- Parentline ACT 6287 3833
- Mental Health Crisis Assessment Team 1800 629 354
- Child Protection After Hours Crisis Service 1300 556 729 (24hrs)
Our Locations
Communities@Work TuggeranongTuggeranong Community Centre, 245 Cowlishaw Street, GREENWAY ACT, 2900
Communities@Work GungahlinGungahlin Community Centre, 47 Ernest Cavanagh Street, GUNGAHLIN ACT, 2912
Tuggeranong Community Centre, 245 Cowlishaw Street, GREENWAY ACT, 2900
Gungahlin Community Centre, 47 Ernest Cavanagh Street, GUNGAHLIN ACT, 2912