Health and wellbeing
COVID-19 information and resources
There are a lot of sources of information out there on COVID-19 and sometimes it's hard to know which ones are the most reliable. Here are some we refer to regularly.
Moreland City Council important information on COVID-19 for the Merri-bek community.
Where to get help and support if you are experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, these services may be able to help with food and financial assistance as well as safety and legal advice.
Department of health and human services the most current Victorian information including announcements, testing and restrictions, including information in community languages.
Victorian government information including details about current restrictions and government support.
Australian government the latest official news, updates and advice.
COVID-19 information in community languages news and information in over 60 languages
Oxford University Press temporary free access to content from online resources and leading journals on COVID-19 and other related topics.
Mental health and wellbeing information and resources
Is it an emergency? If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000)
Anxiety recovery centre Victoria a state-wide, specialist mental health organisation, providing support, recovery and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders.
Beyond blue provides information and support to help people to achieve their best possible mental health.
Black dog institute medical research institute investigating and researching mental health across the lifespan.
Calm free mindfulness resources including living calendars, a daily gratitude journal, and a mental fitness guide.
Kids helpline a free, private and confidential 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Lifeline 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
Mensline Australia a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.
Mental health foundation of Australia (Victoria) focus on promotion of good mental health and the means to maintain it, along with raising awareness through community education.
MSD Manuals - reputable peer-reviewed multimedia health resource searchable by topic, symptoms and more. Available at both consumer and professional levels and in eleven languages.
Open arms mental health assessment and counselling for Australian veterans and their families.
Open minds links to some of the best rated podcasts relating to mental health support.
Smiling mind a free mindfulness app developed by psychologists and educators.
Suicide call back service provides professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
General health information and resources
Many of these websites also contain useful information relating to COVID-19, as well as more general health information
ABC Health information about fitness, medicine, mental health and diet, as well as links to health-related television, radio and online programs.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare government statistics relating to health and wellbeing.
Better Health Channel reliable health information in an easy-to-understand format, with links to information about specific diseases and conditions.
Cochrane Summaries reviews research evidence about health, available in English and other languages.
Health Direct provides access to a basic symptom checker.
Health Translations Directory information about variety of conditions in a range of community languages.
Lab Tests Online explanations about pathology testing and understanding the results.
MedlinePlus - US links to health information in community languages
National Prescribing Service information about the safe and wise use of medicines and other health technologies
Royal Children's Hospital - factsheets up to date information about children's medical conditions and services.
Royal Women's Hospital - factsheets up to date information women’s health topics, including some in community languages.
Information and resources for specific conditions
Arthritis Australia assists people living with arthritis through education, programs and advocacy
Autism spectrum Australia works with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to provide services and support
The Asthma Foundation of Victoria provides advice, counselling, education and training for people with asthma, their carers, health professionals, first aiders and the community.
Australian Drug Foundation research and information about alcohol and other drugs.
The Cancer Council of Australia provides advice government bodies on policies for the prevention, treatment and detection of cancer and acts as an advocate on behalf of patients.
Diabetes Victoria peak consumer body representing people with diabetes in Victoria and providing support and information to the community about diabetes.
National Heart Foundation of Australia involved in research, prevention and education to reduce the loss and suffering caused by cardiovascular disease.
Stroke Association of Victoria provides a range of support and information services for people affected by stroke, their families and carers.