Canberra strong together

The ACT Government has a range of community resilience initiatives in place to support Canberra’s communities through COVID-19.

These include:

• A free Wellbeing Calls Service available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated;
• Know Your Neighbour – a program encouraging the community to build better relationships with the people around;
• Connect in Canberra website – an online information hub to help Canberrans stay aware, connected and supported; and,
• Community Activity Packs – packs supporting Canberrans to take part in community activities, events and significant occasions during COVID-19.

As we face a challenge like no other, Canberra is stronger together.

In a year that has tested all aspects of Canberra’s wellbeing, Canberrans have pulled together and risen to the challenge. People have been reminded of their responsibilities to each other and the power of community.

The Community Services Directorate has developed the Wellbeing Calls Service and Connect in Canberra to keep the community informed and connected through COVID-19.

The Wellbeing Calls Service is provided by the Australian Red Cross and is available to all ACT residents who would like to register for a free phone call.

Canberrans can call the service on 02 6207 7630 between 8am and 4pm daily or register for a call by completing the CSD SmartForm found on the website: www.communityservices.act.org.au/connect-in-canberra/community-services-and-support

Not having someone to talk to regularly can be lonely and isolating. A friendly chat on the phone at a time that suits the resident can make all the difference. The calls will connect people with a friendly Red Cross volunteer who can call the resident once or regularly to check-in and see how they are doing.

The resident will be given an initial phone call that will take an average of 30 minutes to 1 hour in time. The resident is given the option of follow up calls at the resident’s frequency of choice.

The calls can be provided in various languages and if at any time operator detect that the resident is in difficulty in any way or if they are unable to obtain voice contact, the operators are trained to escalate the call according to the individual’s need.

Connect in Canberra is an information hub to help you stay in the loop, keep connected, be part of your community and get assistance and support if you need it. We’ve pulled together information from across Government and the community in a range of areas, from finding the right support, to getting involved in your community, to keeping occupied and active.

At Connect in Canberra you can find contact details for a range of support services, apply for emergency food relief and get assistance in accessing the supports you need. There are also sections on;

• Supporting our Neighbours and Communities;
• Online Safety and Help Getting Connected;
• Health and Wellbeing;
• Activities Hub;
• Kid’s Corner;
• What’s On; and
• Community Activity Packs.

The ACT Government want Connect in Canberra to be a really useful resource for the community so please have a look and if you are aware of any information, resources or events that you think should be shared here. Please email the team at CSDConnectInCanberra@act.gov.au  

At Connect in Canberra, you’ll find Know Your Neighbour Card under the Supporting our Neighbours and Communities section. The Know Your Neighbour card is a great way to take the first step in reaching out and breaking the ice with those in your community.

Members of the Community Resilience and Crisis Response Team are available to brief your group or organisation on these initiatives. Please do not hesitate to get in touch (details below) to discuss.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having significant impacts on people’s economic, social and mental wellbeing. Everyone is in this together, but this crisis is affecting all people differently. While many in the community are increasing social contact with the easing of restrictions, there are also many people who will continue to isolate to protect their health.

So, while there may be a sense that things are returning to "normal" this is not the case for many peoples’ friends, neighbours, family and colleagues. By keeping an eye out, checking in and respecting the choices of friends and neighbours who are self-isolating, people can make sure everyone is part of building and maintaining the connections in the communities.

For the latest information and advice on the COVID-19, and advice on how to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing go to the COVID-19 website at www.covid19.act.gov.au