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FIRST Canberra

ACT central intake and referral service.
Contact usSubmit a referral
Submit a referralShared Practice Framework

Connecting you to support

FIRST Canberra is the central intake service for connecting people in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). FIRST Canberra can support by giving information about services, making referrals to services and connecting you with other organisations to support with: 

  • Housing instability and/or homelessness including referrals to accommodation
  • Family and/or children and young people specialist support services/accommodation
  • Other support and services to help with social isolation.

FIRST Canberra is the main entry point for services and can provide support to:

  • People at risk of or experiencing homelessness in ACT
  • Adults and young people seeking family or young people specific support in ACT.
Contacting FIRST Canberra

Contacting FIRST Canberra

You can contact FIRST Canberra in person, by phone, email or through another organisation.

A FIRST Canberra intake worker will support you by:

  • Asking you for information to understand your needs and current situation
  • Identifying appropriate supports and/or accommodation referrals
  • Providing relevant information about services or supports in ACT
  • Making referrals to the most appropriate support and/or accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us in person

  • FIRST Canberra, Nature Conservation House Corner Emu Bank & Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT 2617 (same building as Housing ACT)
  • Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm (Closed public holidays)
  • Accessibility: If you are unable to visit our office one of our team will arrange a phone or video appointment.

 

Contact us by phone or email

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:30pm - 5:00pm (Closed public holidays)

Phone: 1800 176 468

Interpreter service: Call 131 450  and ask to call  1800 176 468

Email: actcis@salvationarmy.org.au

 

Phone: 1800 176 468Email us

Shared Practice Framework

FIRST Canberra are committed to provision of central intake services to support implementation of the Shared Practice Framework across ACT through:

  • Consistent high-quality intake and assessment utilising the ACT CAT (Common Assessment Tool)
  • Transparent prioritisation, referral and suitability assessment practices
  • Strong collaborative sector relationships.

Referrals can be made to FIRST Canberra by email. Vacancy management and tracking across ACT Specialist Homelessness Services is undertaken through
SHIP Vacancy Management System.

The ACT CAT is utilised to undertake a holistic assessment with individuals and households to collect information relating to needs, risk, and safety. The
tool may be completed in one interaction or over several interactions.

ACT CATACT CAT Training ManualACT Shared Practice Framework