COVID-19 RESOURCES
LATEST DIOCESAN UPDATES
Click the image above for helpful community and devotional resources, as well as updates from Archbishop Glenn Davies.
ONLINE MAGAZINES
Many magazines are available for free online, including:
– Southern Cross and
(You may consider Sue Bartho’s articles on COVID-19, such as
coping with anxiety and wisdom for re-entry)
LIFE ONLINE
Purity online
Production and engagement with online pornography has increased during COVID-19 restrictions, according to research by eChildhood. This non-profit organisation advocates for vigilance against the accessibility of online pornography, and works to equip parents as they respond to protect their children and teens.
Check out these resources if you are a parent of:
You may also consider:
- online internet filtering and accountability software such as Covenant Eyes
- Family Friendly Filters (filters are tested against relevant industry codes)
- eSafety Commissioner tools to improve safety at home – Taming the technology & COVID-19 Toolkit, and
- other NSW government tips about online safety for children.
Security online
A few things to remember while we’re online more often:
- keep the antivirus and operating system of your computer or mobile device up-to-date
- if an email is unsolicited and looks suspicious, don’t click any links or open any attachments, and
- ensure your passwords meet security requirements (eg include capitals, symbols and numerals, don’t include birthdates, etc).
See information from the Australian Government, such as Are you cyber-safe at home? and Top cyber-security tips for individuals.
Department of Education students have access to antivirus software (most for free and some for a small charge). Students need to access the Department portal and proceed through the Adobe section.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Groceries
If you are over 65 and would like help shopping so that you can stay at home, there are organisations that can provide services such as shopping, and delivering meals and prescriptions.
For Ku-ring-gai Council resources in this area, see Shopping help for the over 65s.
Coles and Woolworths are also selling and delivering basic grocery boxes for $80 for vulnerable people in isolation. If you are interested, see their websites for how to order.
Support for seniors
Look at Ku-ring-gai Council’s Useful information for seniors for details about services to seniors, including:
- social contact by phone, and
- support for carers.
Online “at-home” activities
To access activities you can do at home, such as exercise and online resilience and relaxation workshops, see Ku-ring-gai Council’s Life online/Activities at home site.
Community support in North Turramurra
If you live in North Turramurra, you may be interested in the community support initiative of our Bobbin Head Anglican Church friends. This includes donating or requesting:
- essential items
- running an errand, or
- a listening ear.
Go to the Bobbin Head website and follow the contact links.
Sole adult households & living alone
This short video from Anglicare about living alone or as the sole adult in a household during the pandemic may be helpful – whether you are the only adult in your home, or want to support someone who is.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The economic impacts of the pandemic are dramatic, and ongoing. Anglicare have released a series of COVID-19 resources, including fact sheets and short videos (3-5 mins), which may be a useful starting point to understand the options.
Living on a low income
Financial hardship
MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING
WELLBEING RESOURCES
Online articles
Fact sheets and short articles:
- 10 Psychological Tips for Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Mindspot
- 10 Ways to Take Care of Yourself During COVID-19 – ReachOut
- COVID-19 Support – Head to Health
- Looking After Your Mental Health During COVID-19 – Beyond Blue
- Coping with Stress During the COVID-19 Outbreak – WHO
For children, young people and their families:
Anglicare resources
Anglicare’s short videos and fact sheets are available from their YouTube playlist here.
This includes help regarding anxiety, looking after children during COVID, and help regarding family and domestic violence.
Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute
Online resources to promote well-being while alleviating distress, especially for those suffering from mental illness are available from the Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute (MHPCI).
The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute is part of Mary Andrews College, an Anglican Deaconess Ministry in Sydney.
WHO CAN I SPEAK TO?
Counselling services
Contact your GP for advice about counselling services. If you don’t have a GP, search for a local GP at healthdirect.gov.au(click on “Service finder”, selecting “GP”).
If you would like to contact a Christian counsellor, talk to your pastor about the contact details of local clinicians.
24/7 Crisis lines
You can call these crisis lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency 000
If you, your children, or someone you are with is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Northern Sydney Local Health District – Acute Care Team – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai
Self or health professional referral, or if urgent:
• call intake line 9477 9520
• call NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
• attend emergency department Hornsby Hospital
• call 000 if situation dangerous
Lifeline 131 114
Crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25.
headspace centres provide support, information and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 – headspace.org.au
eheadspace 1800 650 890
Online counselling and telephone support to young people aged 12 to 25 – eheadspace.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Provides free phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
Domestic Violence Line (NSW) 1800 656 463
Trained female counsellors can help you contact police, get medical care, obtain an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), develop a safety plan or find emergency accommodation.
National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line
1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732
Free and confidential telephone and online service for any Australian experiencing, or who has experienced, domestic or family violence and/or sexual assault.
White Ribbon
Follow link for phone numbers for a range of domestic violence hotlines for women, men and children.
For other mental health services and contacts, see the NSW Mental Health site.
Photo courtesy of: Fiona Chapman (Snippets Photography) ©2017