VMIAC’s offices will be closed over the holiday period, between the 24th of December and the 4th of January. As a result services such as our NDIS advocacy team and CHECK-IN will not be available during this time.
Though our staff will be taking a much needed break to spend some time with their families and loved ones, we also want to ensure that you, our community, are still able to access needed support over the holidays. As a result we have compiled this list of services providing meals, social connections, or general support over the following weeks.
Do note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, many of these events will be different to previous years and are subject to change or limitations. Please check each source for further information and updates.
Free Meals and Food Delivery
Queerspace- Free Breakfast
25th of December
Sircuit Bar- 103-105 Smith Street, Fitzroy
This is a free breakfast for members of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Find more information here.
Salvation Army
Various events across Victoria, including free meals, food appeals, and Soup Vans
To find out more information head to their website, or call them on 1800 305 330
Lentil as Anything
Runs food relief programs, especially over the holiday period.
Click here to find out more
Free Meal Delivery | Mental Health Foundation Australia
Tuesday 15 December 2020 till Friday 15 January 2021
Corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street
Find out more information here!
Foothills Community Care | Ferntree Gully Christmas Lunch
Christmas Eve (24th December)
Session 1 from 10.15am–12.45pm; session 2 from 1.30–4pm
St John the Baptist Parish Hall, 19 Forest Road, Ferntree Gully 3156
Frankston Life | Christmas Lunch
25th of December
Frankston Football Club, Plowman Pl, Frankston 3199
Click here for more information
Diamond Valley Uniting Church | Community Christmas Lunch
25th of December
Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Main Hurstbridge Rd and Wensley St, Diamond Creek 3089
Meal hampers available to those int eh Diamoned Creek area
Click here for more information
Sacred Heart Mission | Christmas Day Takeaway Lunch
Christmas Day between 10am to 1.15pm
The front porch of SHM’s Dining Hall at 87 Grey Street, East Melbourne 3002
Click here for more information
Family Violence Support
The Orange Door
Orange Door family violence support services are running every day but the public holidays.
Find out more here!
Berry Street Family Violence Services
Central Highlands and Northern Suburbs.
Find out more information here
1800Respect
Family Violence Support Line
Call 1800 737 732, or head to their website here for more information
General Mental Health Support Services
Lifeline
Crisis Support Line
Call 13 11 14, or head to their website for more information
Beyond Blue
Crisis Support Line
Call 1300 22 4636, or head to their website for more information
QLife
LGBTQIA+ Support Line
Call 1800 184 527, or head to their website for more information
Sane Australia
Mental Health Support Line
Call 1800 187 263, or head to their website for more information
MensLine
Mental Health Support Line for Men
Call 1300 78 99 78, or head to their website for more information
Art
Graphics for Good – Holiday HeARTS
24th-26th of December
Holiday heARTs is a kind and welcoming peer-led space for all people to come together via zoom, make art (or not) and have a chat with others who have lived experience of mental health issues over the coming holiday season. All people are welcome no matter where they live, their cultural or religious background, diagnosis (or not) or age.
Click here for more information!
Campaigns
#MakingTime
#MakingTime is mental health campaign encouraging connection during this holiday and summer season.
Click here to find out more!