How do I find services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Urgent Support
In an emergency, call 000.
For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For 24/7 telephone interpreting service, call TIS on 131 450. In an emergency, call 000 and ask for an interpreter (do not call TIS directly in an emergency).
Palliative care works best when you and your family talk about and make decisions for your health care. You have the right to make decisions about your health care, including cultural needs and where you want the care to take place.
Your Aboriginal health worker can also help with accessing services and advocating for your needs. If you’re not already being supported by an Aboriginal health worker, speak to your GP about a referral.
Palliative Care Australia has published an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Discussion Starter to help guide conversations about what would happen if you or a friend or family were very sick.
Public hospitals have Aboriginal hospital liaison officers to help you access culturally safe services and use end of life and palliative care services in the place you prefer. See a list of public hospitals in Victoria.
Community health services, such as cohealth, IPC Health and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, offer a range of free medical and other services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can search for local community health services using the Victorian Government’s Community Health Directory.
The Victorian Aboriginal Palliative Care Program has been created to work towards a sustainable and culturally safe palliative care service system that allows Aboriginal people from all over Victoria to access palliative care services. The program is being led by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO).
Urgent Support
In an emergency, call 000.
For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For 24/7 telephone interpreting service, call TIS on 131 450. In an emergency, call 000 and ask for an interpreter (do not call TIS directly in an emergency).
Disclaimer:
This information is general guidance and may not be applicable to your specific circumstances. For personal advice, please contact a medical or legal practitioner or a spiritual, cultural or community leader.
This content was written for people in Victoria, Australia. Laws and practices differ in other states, territories and countries.