COVID-19: Information on supplies, support and kids activities for families

In light of the current situation surrounding COVID-19, we have put together a resource page for families and carers to find information on sourcing important supplies, finding support and keeping young people entertained at home.We will keep updating this page as we find more useful resources, sites and information.We will also continue to monitor our phone lines and emails during business hours, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.You can call us on 5223 1475 or email us at [email protected]. For other changes to our service during this time, please click here.

FOR SUPPLIES

As many supermarkets have low stock and are limiting purchases, the below list contains some good alternatives to purchasing nappies, wipes and other essential items online. Delivery and freight is classed as an essential service, so it is still possible to order items online.Nappies, baby supplies, etcBrightsky: Suitable for nappiesNappy Land: Suitable for nappies, wipes, first aid suppliesBaby Bunting: Suitable for nappies, wipes, first aid suppliesCatch.com.au: Suitable for nappies, wipes, other infant itemsGroceriesTo register for priority assistance and access to Woolworth's online delivery of groceries, please complete this form here. It will take 48 hours for the supermarket to review your request.Feed Geelong: For food assistance for those in added stress and in need of emergency food relief.Medicines, hand sanitisers etcMany local chemists and pharmacists are keeping adult and infant Panadol and Nurofen behind the counter. There are still some stocks available. If you need either Panadol or Nurofen, please contact your local pharmacy/chemist.Hand sanitiser via AmazonHand sanitiser via Purely BlackHand sanitiser via Incontinence ProductsHand sanitiser via My Beauty SpotHand sanitiser via Nuline Resources 

**Please be mindful these stocks may sell out. If you find any other options please let us know.

FOR SUPPORT

Carers Victoria: Carers Victoria offers a Carer Advisory Line where staff will listen and advise you on services available to assist you in your caring role. Call 1800 514 845 on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.00pm.Carers Gateway: Carer Gateway Counselling Service is a free service for carers. From 8am to 6pm during the week, professional counsellors are available to talk through concerns you may have and how you feel about your carer role. Call 1800 422 737.Carer Coaching (offered by Carers Gateway): Being a carer can be challenging, rewarding, frustrating, confusing and overwhelming – sometimes all in the one day. The online carer coaching sessions are a guided exploration of the ups and downs of a carer’s life. It provides you with opportunities to move towards being a carer who experiences more of the ups and less of the downs. The online carer coaching sessions can be accessed anywhere, anytime via your home computer, mobile or tablet.Kids Helpline: Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Call 1800 551 800. You can also WebChat or email [email protected].Headspace: eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 - 25 and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, eheadspace can help. Call 1800 650 890 or chat online or email.Lifeline: Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 when life gets too much and you find it hard to talk.Lifeline Text is available 6.00pm - Midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue offers counselling via chat, email or phone, offers online community forums and a wealth of resources.Cerebral Palsy Support Network: The Cerebral Palsy Support Network is a registered charity providing information, support and resources to children and adults with cerebral palsy and their families.Too Peas in a Podcast: Listen to Mandy and Kate laugh (a lot) and cry as they chat to each other and friends about parenting multiples with disabilities and special needs.Parental as Anything (Podcast): Join one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors and educators Maggie Dent on Parental As Anything, to get tips and answers to your real-world parenting dilemmas.Sleep by Headspace: Sleep by Headspace is made around the needs of restless sleepers. It includes everything from meditation, to nature sounds, and even music for sleep.

FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Department of Social Services payments: For a list of the current payments available with the Government including the first and second economic support payment and the coronavirus supplement.

FOR CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

As many parents are faced with the prospect of self-isolation and/or increased time at home with your children, we’ve put together a list of some activities and online sites to keep them entertained.Melbourne Zoo Live Stream: Melbourne Zoo is currently live streaming a number of its animal enclosures, including the snow leopard cubs, penguins, giraffes and lions.Cosmic Kids Yoga: Yoga and mindfulness videos for kids ages 3+.Geelong Regional Libraries: For library members, they have extended their online resources available. Busy Things is a great online resource with over 120 online learning games for children aged 3 to 6.Virtual Field Trips: From the comfort of your home, take a virtual tour through San Diego Zoo, the National Aquarium, Mars, the Great Wall of China and more.Free Education Resources: A list of all the education companies offering free resources and subscriptions to aid children learning at home.Museums Victoria: Museums Victoria has released 'Museums at Home' where you can take a tour of the Melbourne Museum of learn about STEM from Scienceworks.AAC Language Lab: The AAC Language Lab is offering two months of free subscription which includes guided lesson plans and activities for AAC. AAC Language Lab also has a number of free online activities and games. You can access those here.50 Easy Sensory Activities to do at Home:iPad Apps to download to promote learning and skill development (via Source Kids): From fine motor and life skills to apps that help manage anxiety and those that can help you all with planning, structure and routine – find a list of apps chosen by Source Kids worth considering.40 household items to use for at-home therapy: A list of household items to use over and over again for different skills and activities for therapy.Home Program Activities for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy: The Inspired Treehouse has put together a list of blog posts, free print-outs, and other resources in one place for easy access to help build home programs for kids.GeoGuessr: A free online game that takes you around the world and to some of the world's most iconic destinations.That's Incredible - Stories to Share with Kids (Podcast): That's Incredible is a podcast for parents and kids that's packed with incredible facts and amazing stories about the world around us.  Hosted by Andrew Daddo.Smiling Mind: Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life. Suitable for all ages.Kinderling Kids Radio: A free app with live radio, parenting podcasts, daytime and bedtime stories, playlists and mindfulness meditations.Raising Children Network: Information and ideas on literacy and numeracy for young children.The Hanen Centre: Some fun ideas to help children practice their communication skills while playing.Aerobase Exercise Series: Aerobase can be done anytime and anywhere, and is a great inclusive physical activity series for young people.

FOR CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILDREN

There will likely be many questions from your children around the situation we’re currently facing. It’s important to have these discussions. Below are some resources to assist you in how to have these conversations with young people including an AAC resource.Talking to Kids about CoronavirusHow to talk to your children about coronavirus (ABC)Advice from the Child Mind InstituteA flipbook social story about coronavirusDownload the coronavirus aided language display here.COVID-19 story and workbook by Mindheart Co. Download it here.The Mik Maks song on washing your hands

FOR INFORMATION

Australia’s response to COVID-19 is a dynamic situation which is changing daily.If you are concerned you or your child have been exposed to COVID-19 and are showing symptoms, please contact your local GP or call the coronavirus 24/7 hotline on 1800 675 398.You can find more information via the below websites:Department of Health & Human ServicesBetter Health Channel (Vic Gov)FairWork Ombudsman (Workplace entitlements and obligations)Disability Services ConsultingImage source: PRC