RhED Covid-19 Resources
Sex Work, Vaccines and Vaccine Certificates
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS)
Call to test (home testing), for vulnerable Victorians
Victorian restrictions roadmaps
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Phone: 13 11 14
Phone: 1300 22 463
SEX WORKER FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH & SUPPORT
Pineapple support
Free support groups and therapy service for people working in the adult online entertainment industry. Online video therapy sessions run by sex-worker friendly, kink-aware therapists.
SHIPS Psychology
SHIPS is a kink-friendly, poly-friendly, sex work-positive, LGBTIQA+ and disability inclusive practice for psychology (Available online)
PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS
Permanent residents and citizens
Income support information
Information from treasury for businesses
Information from treasury for individuals
Scarlet Alliance Sex Worker JobSeeker Information resource
Early access to superannuation:
If you’re affected by coronavirus you can access up to $10,000 of your superannuation early, once in the 2019-2020 financial year and again in the 2020-2021 financial year.
Temporary Visa Holders
Red Cross
Financial aid for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who have no other support:
International Student Emergency Relief Fund
Emergency financial support for international students in Victoria who are facing financial hardship through lost wages and work as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fund provides a one-off payment of up to $1100 and is being delivered in partnership with Victoria’s tertiary education providers
Homeward Return Program
Assistance to voluntarily depart Australia with travel expenses covered, if deemed eligible
Updates on visas and border control
Language translations available
Hospital care and ambulance cover:
If you do not have Medicare or health insurance and are suspected of having coronavirus (COVID-19) you can access hospital care and ambulance transfer at no cost
Contact your home country’s embassy or High Commission in Australia for further support:
COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS & TRAVEL EXEMPTIONS
HOUSING AND TENANCY
Coronavirus Rent Relief Grant:
If you are experiencing rental hardship due to coronavirus you may be eligible
Eviction Concerns
Tenants Victoria:
Tenants Victoria advise that there is high demand for their services at this time and you may wait over 30 minutes to speak with them. This website has translated resources:
Template for writing a letter to your landlord
VCAT
For legal matters relating to housing. VCAT can also provide legal referral if needed.
Phone: 1300 01 8228
Household Relief
Provide support to navigate the COVID support available and no-interest loans
Consumer Affairs Victoria: COVID-19 and your rights
Ph: 1300 558 181
Homelessness and crisis accommodation
Opening Doors:
Ph:1800 825 955
This is a 24-hour state-wide toll-free number that will connect you with a housing and support worker closest to you. Note that if the call is outside business hours, it will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services.
EMERGENCY FOOD PACKAGES DURING ISOLATION
RhED may be able to provide sex-workers who are in need of food & toiletries with an emergency parcel (dependent on donations and your location) call RhED : 1800 458 752.
If you are in mandatory self-isolation you can access the emergency relief package by calling Victoria’s dedicated coronavirus hotline:1800 675 398. This hotline can also refer you to other support services if needed.
City of Melbourne Community Food Guide
ENERGY AND POWER SUPPLIES
Support for individual households
If you’re unable to pay your bill on time, contact your retailer to discuss options on how they can help. Their hardship policy will outline the options available and you may be able to delay payments or pay your bill off in smaller amounts.
Information on the expectations of energy suppliers during COVID-19
FREE LEGAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT DURING COVID-19
St Kilda Legal Service (SKLS) (currently not taking new self-referrals but RhED is able to consult with and refer so please contact us if you would like support. SKLS is knowledgeable on sex work and legal issues)
Victoria Legal Aid
Free legal advice for Victorians
Justice Connect
A free online legal service
OTHER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID-19
Jobs Hub
While the sex industry is affected by the ban of brothels, clubs, and private work during COVID-19, there are some areas outside of the industry which have an increased demand for workers:
Scarlet Alliance in-depth resource for sex workers to set up online
HEALTH RESOURCES
Thorne Harbour Health
- COVID-19 and People Living with HIV/AIDS
- COVID-19 and People Taking PrEP
- COVID-19 and Trans, Gender-Diverse and Non-Binary Communities
- COVID-19 and LGBTQI Women
- COVID-19 and People Experiencing Family Violence
Scarlet Alliance COVID-19 and Harm Reduction for sex workers
DRUG AND SUBSTANCE USE INFORMATION
AIVL (Australian Injecting and Illicit drug users League)
Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) Outlet Locations in Victoria:
Info for drug users during COVID-19:
Undercurrent:
Undercurrent have put together a wonderful community resource for support and safety planning during COVID-19 (covering domestic and family violence, housing, legal aid, alcohol, drugs and other substance abuse, counselling, food services, support for refugees etc). You can download it here for further information and support:
WELLBEING AND CONNECTION
RhED TEAM SUPPORTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, HYGIENE AND PPE (personal protective equipment, eg gloves and masks)
Masks:
DHHS: Do I have to wear a face mask?
TRANSLATED RESOURCES
Health Translations collection of translated resources
DHHS translated coronavirus resources
Australian Department of Health translated coronavirus resources
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY
