COVID-19 has put some Tasmanians in a position they never thought they would be in, while for others it has exacerbated struggles that were already there.
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St. Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania chief executive Lara Alexander is on the national committee assisting the Australian government to recognise areas of need and to make recommendations for remedies.
She said there had been a "steady increase" in people seeking help across the board, but that some people did not know where to turn.
"There is help available, and especially at this very difficult time, don't hesitate to get in contact with any of the numbers on this list," she said.
"Even if one organisation doesn't have the answer, we do refer to other organisations who can help."
The following organisations are emergency relief providers, meaning they can provide food, transport; chemist vouchers; part-payment of utility bills; clothing; and budgeting support.
However, they also run many other programs and can offer advice on other services, and are a good place to start for just about any issue you may be facing during the pandemic.
- Launceston City Mission 6335 3000
- Launceston Benevolent Society 6344 4213
- The Salvation Army Tasmania 6323 7500
- St Vincent De Paul Society 6326 5551
- The Helping Hand Association 6391 2498
- CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania 1800 819 447 or (03) 6332 0600
These specialist organisations are also only a phone call away:
- National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 - for advice on financial problems.
- Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858
- Housing Connect 1800 800 588 - for people who need help getting into secure housing.
- Tasmanian Government Family Violence Response and Referral Line 1800 633 937
- 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 - for family violence help.
- Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78 - for men with family and relationship worries.
- Lifeline Tasmania 1800 98 44 34 - for mental health help including suicidal thoughts.
- Lifeline Australia - 131 114
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 - counselling for those aged five - 25.
- Beyond Blue 1800 512 348 - for mental health help including suicidal thoughts.
- Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 - if you need help or advice as a carer for someone else.
- Disability Information Helpline 1800 643 787
- Older Australians and their carers COVID-19 Support Line 1800 171 866
- Tasmania Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738 - for the latest information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tasmania
