Other Funding/Brokerage

Safer in the Home

The Safer in the Home Program provides support for women and children experiencing family violence to stay in their housing, when it is safe to do so. Limited brokerage can be used to increase the security of properties.  Safer in the Home programs are available through the Salvation Army

Interest Free Loans for women in refuges

Should a refuge have a woman in their care with an urgent need, and no funds can be found elsewhere, the refuge may apply to Impact for an interest-free loan.

School support for children in refuges

Impact will offer Bursaries to children in Refuge needing to relocate schools to cover the costs of uniforms, textbooks, stationary and excursions.

Victims Assistance Program

The Victims Assistance Program provides brokerage for victims of crime, including victims of family violence. Brokerage is generally used for clients of the service, with a focus on recovery from the crime, but the service will consider partnering with other organisations in relation to brokerage costs.

Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative

Safe Steps facilitate the Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative. This initiative supports victim survivors of family violence living with a disability, or who have disability needs, including temporary conditions and conditions due to family violence. Carers and parents of a child with a disability can also access support.

Professionals can contact Safe Steps Specialist Family Violence Disability Liaison Officers via [email protected] to access brokerage assistance for their clients, as well as secondary consultations and information regarding the initiative.

Escaping Violence Program (EVP) payment trial 

To read about eligibility criteria and/or to apply for EVP funding go to Uniting’s website here

EVP Fact Sheet For information on the program

Housing Establishment Fund (HEF)
The Housing Establishment Fund assists individuals to access and /or to maintain private rental housing, or to access emergency short-term (usually overnight) accommodation for people in crisis who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)

VOCAT provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime committed in Victoria. VOCAT assists victims to recover by providing financial assistance for expenses incurred, or reasonably likely to be incurred, as a direct result of the crime.

For more urgent needs, an application for interim financial assistance (generally medical, counselling or funeral expenses) can be made prior to the final determination of an application for financial assistance.

Family Violence Scheme – Fines Victoria

The Family Violence Scheme supports people affected by family violence.The scheme allows people to apply to have their infringement fines withdrawn if family violence substantially contributed to the offence or it is not safe for them to name the responsible person.  Find further information about the Family Violence Scheme. Ph: 1300 019 983.

State Schools Relief
State Schools’ Relief provides support to any Victorian student attending a government school (primary, secondary or specialist), on the advice of the school.  Schools are able to submit an application directly, via the SSR online portal, whenever they believe there is a need to support a student whose family/carers are facing difficulty in providing the appropriate uniform, footwear or educational items for attending school.  Situations include, but are not limited to:

• Unemployment
• Health issues/illness
• Financial difficulties
• Independent living and/or homelessness
• Natural disasters, house fires
• Bereavement
• Domestic violence

All applications are processed within 24 – 48 hours and you will receive confirmation of application/s by email. Orders will then be delivered within 4 working days.  Please note the School needs to submit the application on behalf of families, further information is available here: stateschoolsrelief.org.au/schools

Centrelink Crisis Payment

Centrelink’s Crisis Payment is for victims of family violence, and is a one-off payment equal to a week’s payment at a person’s existing income support payment rate. The Crisis Payment does not include extra allowances or supplements.

Get Active Victoria – Kids Voucher Program
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms and equipment.  Eligible children may be able to receive up to $200 each per round.  Children must be aged 0 to 18 and named on a valid and issued Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and Medicare card to be eligible.

Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence Financial Assistance Program Australian Red Cross’ financial assistance program will provide financial assistance and casework support to eligible people on temporary visas, or with uncertain visa status, experiencing family and domestic violence, and in need of financial support. The FDV Financial Assistance program can help you with payments of up to $3,000, referral to a specialist FDV agency or other services, and casework support for up to 3 months (upon assessment).

Someone Health – Making Mental Health Accessible

Medicare bulk-billed and convenient online psychology sessions available when you want, Australia wide.  You can connect with  psychologists 7 days a week, including after hours. They are Medicare bulk billed, giving clients 20 free appointments every year with no out-of-pocket costs. For further information and bookings visit the website.

Family Counselling

FREE Individual child or family counselling is available by Qualified counselling staff.  Child focussed counselling approach, individual trauma-informed counselling, single-session counselling, evidenced-based supports, family Violence informed counselling, and LGBTIQ+ friendly.  Offered over a flexible timeframe by phone, online and/or face-to-face.  Call Orange Door Bayside Peninsula – 1800 319 358

Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs – Cheltenham, Frankston and St Kilda

The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. Even as Victoria reopens, it’s important to take care of your mental health and know that help is available near you.  If you’re having a difficult time or are feeling overwhelmed, you can get support through your local Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub.  Walk ins are available or phone 1300 375 330.

Financial Independence Hub

The Good Shepherd Financial Independence Hub (FIH) is a national, trauma-informed service providing support to people of all gender identities who have experienced financial abuse, and/or the financial impacts of domestic and family violence. The FIH team support service system navigation and referrals alongside connecting participants with our Financial Counselling and Financial Coaching teams. Open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm.

• VicGov’s guide to discounts and services for eligible households
• Resource to assist organisations in applying for grants
• No Interest Loans (NILs) No interest and no charges, EVER. Submit your invoice and NILs will pay the cost of these essentials straight to the supplier / vendor. Loans cannot be used for cash, bills or debts.

What is the Carer Gateway?

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and supportfor carers.

Carer Gateway provides many services to support carers in their caring role, including:

• in-person and online peer support groups
• tailored support packages to help with accessing planned respite, transport services and other supports

You can refer families that you support who are in a caring role to the Carer Gateway to assist with support that is tailored to their caring role.

St Kilda Mums

We rehome essentials to give kids the best start in life. Workers supporting families can contact us here to request support for families.

If you are a Social Worker or a Maternal and Child Health nurse…

To access our service please read our Service Policy and contact us by email. Our service is provided free of charge and there are no assessment criteria.

RecLink Australia

Reclink Australia provides and promotes sports, recreation and arts activities for communities facing disadvantage throughout Australia. We work in partnership with community support organisations to design and deliver activities that promote the opportunity for improved physical health, mental health and community inclusion.

Not-For-Profit agencies can become a member for $165 (incl GST) per annum, per LGA.

Individuals can join Club Reclink to access Reclink’s programs.

Memberships benefits include:

• Accessing sport and recreation activities on weekdays
• Accessing to gyms at 1/3 of the cost
• Networking with other organisations supporting people and communities facing disadvantage
• The opportunity to introduce new sport and recreation activities to your clients
• Assisting your clients to integrate into mainstream community activities through our activities