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Staying healthy, well and connected
Edition 9

During COVID-19 we will be sending out a series of health and wellbeing newsletters. Please share this information with your group members and anyone else who may be interested. 

Term 4 programs have commenced
There are still plenty of online events happening in Kingston. Make sure your group posts their events and don't forget to check out all the online events happening during Term 4 on My Community Life.

Eye opening video on elder abuse
What does elder abuse look like? It may be physical, financial or psychological, but many Australians do not see the abuse that older people sometimes suffer. Last week, on International Day of Older Persons, Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson launched a campaign centred on a hard-hitting video that identifies the “red flags” of elder abuse to build greater awareness in the community.

Kingston Libraries Pen Pals Program

We know how much the little things can help our health and wellbeing, especially at this time. 

Kingston Libraries Pen Pals is a program for housebound library customers who would like to chat through letters with one of our friendly library staff. A letter every few weeks can make someone feel connected, without any personal intrusion.   

Just call the library on 1300 135 668 and we will organise a regular exchange of letters with one of our library staff. 

There is no obligation, and we can also help you access the library’s various resources such as Click and Collect, eBooks, and the Home Library Service. To learn more about what Kingston Libraries have to offer visit www.kingston.vic.gov.au/library

Do you know a local hero?

Nominations for the City of Kingston’s Australia Day Awards are now open.

You can nominate an individual or a community group if they’ve made a noteworthy contribution to the City of Kingston. Recognise their outstanding service and achievements by nominating them for an Award today.

It’s quick and easy to nominate - just head to kingston.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.

Nominations close 5pm, Monday 9 November.

Lost your job or had income reduced due to COVID-19?
Good Shepherd are providing a free COVID Hardship Support Hotline to support those who have suffered the financial affects of COVID and help them navigate the often-complex service system.

If this applies to you, or someone you know, you can give them a call to chat about your options. In particular, they can give advice on deciding if a 'Household Relief Loan Without Interest' is right for you. 

The 'Household Relief Loan Without Interest' is a loan without interest of up to $3,000, where you only pay back what you borrow and repayments can be made for up to 24 months. It's designed to help cover costs such as rent and utility bills. 

Call the COVID Hardship Support hotline on 1300 121 130.

Find out more and see if you're eligible to apply

Note this is not a crisis service, if you need immediate help or there is risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 000. 

Do-it-yourself tools to fight the gambling urge

The COVID-19 restrictions are causing uncertainty about jobs, health and being out in public. Many people are feeling anxious and isolated. But some people who usually gamble on pokies at venues, clubs, TABs and casinos or bet on sport are feeling huge relief (Read Garth's story).

Does that sound like you?

With gambling venues closed and limited sports betting, do you:

  • feel a weight is lifted off your shoulders
  • remember the person you were before gambling took over
  • have money to spend on other things
  • have time to enjoy other activities, even with the current limitations?

As restrictions ease, it’s important to remind yourself that you already have all the tools you need to help you manage your gambling urges. Maybe you haven’t used them for a while or forgotten you had them.

These tools can help you stay in control of your gambling or quit for good. You can do it yourself.

Visit Gambler's Help to view the list of tools to help you fight the gambling urge.

Big Break 2020 - Dance it out with Rawcus!
The City of Kingston Social Development and Kingston Arts Teams are excited to bring Big Break Online for 2020!
 
Big Break is an annual program providing opportunity for individuals and/or groups with disability to participate and develop skills in arts and/or performance-based workshops coinciding with the celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities.
 
This year we have teamed up with the talented Rawcus Ensemble, a diverse group of performers from all over Melbourne, to offer this chance to check in, connect and get moving within our community over 4 free Zoom sessions in November. We’ll say hi, will stretch, we’ll dance!
 
Bring your pets, your children or your housemates. Wear your PJs or your sequins. You don’t need to be a performer or dancer to enjoy this offering, you just need a computer or phone and an internet connection. It will be inclusive, celebratory and fun. This is a chance to check in and get moving.
 
When: Register for one two or all four sessions commencing Monday 9 November 2020.
 
November 9     12pm - 12:20pm
November 16   12pm - 12:20pm
November 23   12pm - 12:20pm
November 30   12pm - 12:20pm
 
To participate please register your interest via email to eugenia.grammatikakis@kingston.vic.gov.au or call 9581 4806.
 
Participants must have a connection to The City of Kingston i.e. live, work, attend a school or group within Kingston.  Registrations are free, places are limited, and some sessions will be filmed. Multiple users on one device only need to register once but all participants must complete a photographic permission form.  All sessions will be facilitated with an Auslan Interpreter.

COVID-19 Community Survey
Remember to keep filling out the COVID-19 community survey.  
 
The results will help Council provide targeted services, respond to changing community needs and make sure we are caring for our community.

Haven't signed up yet? Simply click here to take part. We will check in with you weekly for the first 2 months, after that we will check in with you every month. We thank you for your feedback, your responses will help us help the community. 
Click Here to Start Survey

City of Kingston's COVID-19 Community Support Hotline

Please call the Kingston COVID-19 Community Support Hotline on 1300 653 356 to find out information on local agencies providing emergency food aid, home support services, financial counselling/assistance, family violence support and mental health services.
Victorian Statement Government 
The City of Kingston acknowledges the funding contribution made by the State Government of Victoria for the development of the My Community Life website, supporting resources and the delivery of community training sessions.
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