2021-08-20
The ACT Government will provide additional support to Canberrans in need during the extended lockdown period.
In addition to the financial support being provided to VolunteeringACT to provide food and essential items to Canberra families, the ACT Government will provide:
- $260,000 to extend a range of existing mental health supports delivered by community sector partners during the lockdown period
- $200,000 for a range of crisis and emergency supports including emergency financial aid, domestic and family violence services, disability and carer support and support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
- An additional $200,000 to support ongoing access to emergency food relief for those in need (taking the total to $450,000)
“We know that lockdowns are difficult for many Canberra families. That’s why we are moving quickly to extend funding to community partners, provide direct relief to members of the community, and boost the capacity of critical community services to meet increases in demand,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr
“Our community sector partners have been advising the Government of the demand for mental health services, as well as crisis intervention services.
“The Government will continue to do what we can to ensure support is available to those who really need it most during this difficult time for our community.”
Minister responsible for Community Recovery and Emergency Relief Emma Davidson urges anyone in the community needing support through the lockdown to reach out to community organisations to seek help.
“These measures will support positive outcomes for our mental health and wellbeing. Lockdown can be incredibly challenging and present a number of social and physical barriers for people, particularly Canberrans with disability, Older Canberrans and people experiencing financial hardship. We are all in this together and through these services, more people who are finding lockdown challenging will have greater access to support, items and services,” Minister Davidson said.
Information about these extra initiatives is available on the ACT COVID-19 website at: www.covid19.act.gov.au