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OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19

We are proud of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are grateful to our community for working together to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections, to maximise vaccinations, and keep exposure sites low. We remain committed to ensuring that the safety of our participants, families and staff are of top priority. To ensure that our community is kept informed, we continue to provide you with the latest updates on our services, information about the vaccination rollout and access to support resources.

COVID Vaccine Information

Information about COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and getting vaccinated in Victoria.

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Easy Read Information

If you need help to book your COVID-19 vaccine, you can use these Easy Read guides by the Australian Government.

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Support Resources

Find Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support from leading authorities to help you to stay informed.

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Wellbeing & Mental Health

Find resources with advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health.

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Contact Us

We continue to work closely with families and carers during this time. Please get in touch here.

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OC Connections is committed to keeping participants and families up to date with the latest COVID-19 (Coronavirus) news, information, and helpful resources. 

Please contact OC Connections on 9569 0603 if you have any queries regarding our operations during this time.

Read all of our COVID-19 related announcements.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

View all COVID-19 related announcements

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No change to disability settings post-pandemic declaration

From 11.59pm on Wednesday, 12 October, the pandemic declaration ended – and Victorians will no longer be required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19, with isolation for positive cases now strongly recommended. Requirements for close contacts like continually testing negative on a rapid antigen test will become strong recommendations – joining the strong recommendation […]

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Free RATs for people with disability – extended until 31 December, 2022

People with disability can now get free rapid antigen tests until the end of the year People with disability in Victoria can now get 20 free rapid antigen tests until 31 December 2022. The program, which was due to finish at the end of September, has been extended for another 3 months. The free tests […]

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A person standing outside, with a garden and building behind, looks into the camer. They are wearing a backpack.

COVID-19 isolation periods remain the same for disability settings

It was announced this week that from Friday 9 September, isolation periods for COVID-19 positive cases will reduce from seven to five days following a positive test if the patient has no symptoms on Day 5. It is important that our community note that seven days isolation remains for workers in high-risk settings including disability […]

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COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

Everyone 5 years and older can book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. An additional booster dose, known as the fourth dose, is now available to people 30 years and older. This may be a fifth dose for some people. If you have had COVID-19, wait at least 3 months before getting your next dose.

COVID-19 VACCINES AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

Information about the COVID-19 Vaccines for people with disability.

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WHERE TO GET YOUR VACCINATION

Use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book your COVID-19 Vaccine dose.

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GET THE FACTS ON COVID-19 VACCINES

Find out all you need to know about COVID-19 Vaccines.

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COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINE ADVICE

Learn about booster doses for COVID-19 vaccines, who they are recommended for, when you need one and how to get it.

Booster Vaccine Advice

COVID-19 VACCINE EASY READ INFORMATION

Easy Read information on COVID-19 vaccination.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE

Easy Read information about the COVID-19 Vaccines for people with disability

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WHERE TO GET YOUR VACCINATION

Use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book your COVID-19 Vaccine dose.

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GET THE FACTS ON COVID-19 VACCINE

Easy Read information about COVID-19 vaccines.

GET THE FACTS

EVA – Easy Vaccine Access

Easy Read fact sheet about easy vaccine access.

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WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH

Victorian Government mental health resources
It’s important to look after your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.


Beyond Blue
The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a dedicated service for those feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or need assistance during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Phone: 1800 512 348


Carers Victoria
Represents and provides support for carers in Victoria.
Phone: 1800 514 845

Disability Information Helpline
Access to information and referrals for people who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19), including access to counselling.
Phone: 1800 643 787 (Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm)


Headspace/Eheadspace
Online and webchat support and counselling for 12-25-year-old Victorians, their family and friends.
Phone: 1800 650 893

Kids Helpline
A confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.
Phone: 1800 55 1800

Lifeline Australia
A crisis support service offering short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.
Phone: 13 11 14


Orygen Digital
A specialist mental health service for young people aged 15-25.
Phone: 1800 888 320 or online at Moderated Online Social Therapy platform.

PANDA
Support for individuals and families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression. Call PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline below.
Phone: 1300 726 306 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 7.30pm)

ReachOut
A mental health organisation for young people are their parents.

SANE Australia
Support, resources and advocacy for people affected by complex mental health issues.
Phone: 1800 187 263

Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind’s digital care packs provide tools and resources for parents, carers and teachers to support positive mental health for the children in their care.

TANDEM carers
Represents organisations and individuals who care for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 1800 314 325

Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC)
Provides telephone and advocacy services for people with a lived experience of mental health problems or emotional distress. Run by consumers for consumers.
Phone: (03) 9380 3900

YMCA
Virtual Y offers free access to exclusive fitness videos, nutritious recipes, wellbeing advice, family activities and their Youth Hub.
Phone: (03) 9403 5000

Support Resources & Links

Below are resources from leading authorities including the Australian Federal Government, the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 

Australian and Victorian Government websites 

The latest official Coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government. Read more

Advice, information and support for people with disabilities. Read more

Protecting yourself and Auslan videos for the disability sector.
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A guide for Home Care Providers. Read more

Head to Health wellbeing resource. Read more

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The NDIS main page for Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support.
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Information for participants in Easy English and languages other than English.
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NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Links to updates about COVID-19 and resources for NDIS participants. Read more

Fact sheet: NDIS participant information. Read more

Easy English: Staying safe from Coronavirus. Read more

Easy English: Look after your mental health during coronavirus. Read more

National Disability Services

Resources, tools and products for the disability sector. Read more

Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

A website with regularly updated information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.  Read more 

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