Information on health supports, aides and equipment and COVID19.
Mental Health
Supporting and looking after your mental health is important. The Queensland Government has created a website which is dedicated to developing an understanding of how to look after our mental health. The Mental Wellbeing Initiative also has a list of supports available to look after your mental health.
Sometimes, you can be unsure about whether you need to seek additional help to support your mental wellbeing. The first step should always to speak with your general practitioner (GP), however this checklist may help identify that it is time to begin having those conversations with your GP. Your GP may recommend creating a mental health care plan which will assist with Medicare rebates to access psychological support. If you feel you need mental health support now, you can call 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) as the main point of access into public mental health services.
On a local level, Primary Health Networks (known as PHN’s) can be a great place for people looking to connect with community based support services. To find your PHN and access information about services in your community, use the Department of Health’s PHN finder.
If you need help now, or are immediate danger to yourself or others, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Physical Health
Looking after your physical health can have benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. The Queensland Government has different programs available to support Queenslanders to live a healthier life.
The Health for Life program supports eligible people with different coaching options to develop new healthier living skillsets. In addition to the Health for Life program, the Health and Wellbeing Queensland website has a range of programs such as delicious healthy recipes, Heart Foundation Walking and the Deadly Choices Program.
Many local councils are also running physical health initiatives. An example of these initiatives is the active and healthy events run in Brisbane City local council area. Through the active and healthy events program there are options such as yoga, aqua classes, kayaking, abseiling, learning to skateboard and even sailing for free or low cost ($5.00). For information in your local council area, visit your council website online.
There are some disability specific sport and recreational activities as well as information about inclusive practice for coaches and sporting clubs available on the Queensland Government website.
Aids & Equipment
The below information is for people not accessing the NDIS.
In Queensland, there are subsidies for aids and equipment to help people continue living at home and avoid early or inappropriate residential care or hospitalization. This is provided through the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS). Some of the aids and equipment available include communication aids, continence aids, daily living and mobility aids and artificial limbs. For more information, contact MASS on 1300 443 570. For those who have ongoing continence management issues, you may be eligible for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) through Services Australia.
If you receive a health care card or pension card, then you may be able to apply for the Spectacle Supply Scheme which covers the cost of a basic pair of prescription glasses.
Figuring out what aids and equipment is best suited to you, it may be helpful to contact a free advisory service. The Queensland Government have partnered with LifeTec, Vision Australia, CPL and the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children to provide advisory services.
COVID19
The unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic (commonly referred to as COVID19) has taken its toll on Queenslanders overall health and wellbeing. Despite our best efforts, COVID19 is still circulating in our community, and we must all play our part in following health directions and managing infection.
Queenslanders with Disability Network have been developing factsheets and breaking down information so people with disability know what to be aware of.
If you, or someone you know has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID19, the Queensland Government has information on what the next steps are. This website also has information on COVID19 vaccines, how to be COVID19 ready and health advice. Should you or someone you know have concerns about how COVID19 is affecting them, you can call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for confidential advice by talking to a registered nurse who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are experiencing a life threatening situation, you should call 000.
