Get help
Whatever you’re facing, we are here to walk alongside you.
When life feels tough, we are here for you providing emergency relief and basic support. We give you direct access to services for you to move forward, such as:
- Services Australia
- National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS)
- Housing services
- Health services
- Victoria Police
You’ll also find practical help like meals, emergency relief, and financial assistance, along with opportunities to build social connections. And if you’d like, spiritual support is always available too.
Financial support
Immediate relief
We provide year‑round financial support
A member, from our Doorways emergency relief team, will have a compassionate conversation with you to understand your needs and let you know what help is available.
Financial counselling
Free service known as Moneycare
Through the team at Salvation Army Moneycare
We can help you feel in control of your finances and work with you to manage your debt, and develop new money management strategies.
Call for an appointment: 1800 722 363
No interest loans
You could be eligible for a no-interest loan
Loan items can include household goods (and repairs or bond), car and driving expenses, computers, health items (medical and dental equipment or aids), cost of funerals or veterinary expenses.
Health
Healthcare
Monday to Friday, 9am–1pm
Accessing health care services is now easier. At Bourke Street Primary Health Clinic, you can access doctors and general nurses care as well as addiction medicine services for people in vulnerable circumstances.
Referrals must be made through cohealth’s outreach workers, other city support services, or through engagement with our services.
We operate in partnership with the following:
Showers and toilet
Monday-Friday, 9am–1pm and 5pm–7pm
You also have access to free toiletries.
Head to 69 Bourke Street and enter from Westwood Place.
Housing
Consultation Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
This program connects you with a network of support services and safe, affordable accommodation.
If you are sleeping rough on the streets, couch surfing, living in unsafe rooming houses or experiencing family and domestic violence — we might be able to help you.
Delivered in partnership with the Collingwood Football Club Foundation.
Legal and social services
Legal support
Monday, 5pm–7pm (no appointment required)
Access our drop-in legal clinic in our café every Monday evening.
Speak to volunteer lawyers onsite about basic advice, general information, legal referrals and more.
National Disability Insurance Agency
Monday to Friday, 9am–1pm
If you or someone you know need to connect with the NDIS, come and see one of its staff.
Services Australia
Monday to Thursday, 9am–1pm
Get help with Centrelink, Medicare, child support questions and more.
Meals
Magpie Nest Café - day time
Day time — Monday to Friday
Breakfast, 9am–10.30am
Lunch, 11.30am–1pm
Magpie Nest Café - twilight
Monday to Friday, 5-7pm
Come have dinner with us any weekday.
Closed the first Tuesday of each month.
Grill'd Southern Cross Station
First Tuesday of the month 4.30pm–7.30pm
When the twilight café is closed, join us for a community meal at Grill'd.
Youth programs
The couch for international students
Monday to Thursday, 6–8.30pm
Join us for a meal and a safe space to hang out and share experiences with other international students.
This is also an opportunity to connect with support services and information on topics like housing, employment, counselling, student services, legal support and representation.
There are also social activities with local young people that facilitate cultural exchanges.
Youth street teams
Friday and Saturday, 9.30pm–3am
We connect with intoxicated young people who have become separated from their friends and, as a result, become more vulnerable to assault, abuse, and risk of injury.
We cover the City of Melbourne and City of Stonnington offering information, practical support, and assistance until the young person finds safety (can go home or are reconnected with their friends).
Our work is possible thanks to our amazing group of volunteers (over the age of 18). They work closely with Victoria Police’s Safe Streets and Transit Teams programs as well as Crown.
Pink Car to get women home safely
Friday and Saturday, 9.30pm–3am
Going out at night can feel unsafe for women — even though it shouldn’t be.
To help women feel safer when they’re having a night out in the CBD, we have launched the Pink Car to check in with young women and ensure they get home safely.
Funded by the Office for Women and purchased by the Collingwood Football Club.