Victoria experienced two distinct periods of community support services Victoria transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, with one period leading to a prolonged lockdown. This led to a wide range of temporary economic initiatives and increased support for mental health services.

The Commission’s final report made a broad swathe of recommendations. While some of these will benefit those experiencing homelessness, major system redesign will require a state/Commonwealth partnership.

Aged & Disability Resource Centres (ADRCs)

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are integrated points of entry into long term service and support systems designed to address the frustration many older adults, people with disabilities, and their families experience when seeking information and access to services. Through integration or coordination of existing aging and disability service systems, ADRC programs raise visibility about the full range of options; provide objective information, advice, counseling and assistance; empower consumers to make informed decisions; and help them navigate complex public and private long term services and supports programs.

ADRCs can be found across the country and are a key component of the Administration for community support Living’s “No Wrong Door” initiative.

ADRCs are friendly, welcoming places where you can receive information tailored to your needs. You can get help at an ADRC in person, over the phone or in your home. They can also help you find out if you are eligible for publicly funded long term care and can assist you with the application process.

Homelessness Services

Homelessness can profoundly affect people’s mental and physical health, their capacity to participate in society and their ability to find employment. Specialist homelessness services provide advice, support and housing for homeless or at risk of homelessness Victorians.

These services work slightly differently across Victoria. Opening Doors is a state wide program designed to make it easier for people to access homelessness assistance by reducing wait times and the need to go from agency to agency.

Each region has a local area service network (LASN) made up of senior representatives from agencies who deliver homelessness services in their community and who maximise the effectiveness of the system.

Specialist homelessness services offer a range of housing and support options including temporary accommodation such as motels, boarding houses or shared rooms. In addition, they can help people find permanent housing through the private rental market or public housing. They can also assist with accessing other essential supports such as medical, dental and counselling.

Mental Health Services

If you have a mental health condition, there are many ways to get help. You can call a mental health helpline to talk to someone or visit a community mental health service. These services can provide treatment, information and tools. They can also help you learn to manage your symptoms so that they don’t affect your life.

The Victorian government funds a range of clinical and non-clinical mental health services. Clinical services include Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and Adult mental health services (AMHS).

Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They can prescribe medications and work with other allied health professionals. You can find a psychiatrist through your GP or a mental health program. They may also be able to refer you to a private psychiatric service.

Youth Services

A group for transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse youth ages 1319. It provides a safe space to connect with peers and offers peer-led support on topics such as self-esteem building, coping strategies, and navigating medical services.

Yannee is a fourth year Law and International Relations student at Monash University who believes that young people are powerful agents of social change when given the right tools and platforms to voice their ideas. She is passionate about empowering communities and actively listening to historically silenced voices and narratives in her work with VYC.

If you’re a young person who needs help, contact your local council’s youth services. They’re the experts on what’s happening in your community and can point you in the direction of other youth-focused organisations. You can also access advice, support and information on the Youth Central website.