Family, youth and children
We offer the following programs, events and services
Ongoing Support and Assistance
We understand that life can present challenges at any time, and accessing the right support is essential. The City of Port Phillip is here to help, and we’ve compiled a list of internal council services and external support hotlines to provide you with the assistance you need.
Council Services
The City of Port Phillip is here to help families during the holiday period. If you need support, please contact our ASSIST service to connect with the Family Support team.
Key Contact for Council Services:
- City of Port Phillip ASSIST
Phone: 03 9209 6777
Online: Send us a message on My Port Phillip
Availability Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5 pm, closed public holidays
When you contact ASSIST, ask to speak to someone from the Family Support team. Our team is here to help you navigate challenges, provide guidance, and connect you with the right resources.
External Crisis and Support Services
In an emergency or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000 for Police and/or Ambulance assistance.
If council services are unavailable or additional support is needed, these external organisations provide crucial assistance. The following crisis and counselling services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays:
Key Crisis Contacts:
Non-Emergency Police Assistance Line
For non-urgent police assistance and to report non-urgent crimes and events.
Phone: 131 444 (24/7)
Website: Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting1800RESPECT
A national sexual assault, family, and domestic violence counselling service for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Website: www.1800respect.org.auSafe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Provides specialist support services for anyone in Victoria experiencing or afraid of family violence.
Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7)
Website: www.safesteps.org.auKids Helpline
Private and confidential counselling service for people aged 5 to 25.
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Website: www.kidshelpline.com.auMensLine Australia
Offers help, support, referrals, and counselling services for men via phone, online, and video.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Website: www.mensline.org.auBeyond Blue
Provides support and services to people in Australia to improve mental health and prevent suicide.
Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
Website: www.beyondblue.org.auYarning SafeNStrong
A free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their families.
Phone: 1800 959 563 (24/7)
Website: Yarning SafeNStrong | VAHSMaternal and Child Health (MCH) Line
A 24-hour telephone service for Victorian families with children from birth to school age.
Phone: 13 22 29 (24/7)
Website: Maternal and Child Health Line - Better Health Channel- SuicideLine Victoria
A 24-hour telehealth service that offers free professional phone and online mental health counselling.
Phone: 1300 651 251
Text: 0477 131 114
Chat: Lifeline Crisis Online Chat Service | Lifeline Australia
Website: Suicide prevention | Free counselling | SuicideLine Victoria
Support Available from Specialist Services:
Raising Children Network
Offers comprehensive information and resources for parenting children of all ages.
Website: www.raisingchildren.net.auThe Orange Door
A free service for adults, children, and young people experiencing family violence, with locations across Victoria. No referral required.
Website: The Orange Door
Locations: Find your nearest hubinTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
Free and confidential support for migrant and refugee women in Victoria experiencing family violence.
Phone: 1800 755 988
Website: www.intouch.org.auElizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Service
Family violence services and advocacy for Aboriginal women and children in Victoria.
Phone: 03 9482 5744
Website: www.emhaws.org.auDjirra
Provides legal advice, information, referral, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of, or recovering from, family violence.
Phone: 1800 105 303
Website: www.djirra.org.au- Rainbow Door
Free specialist helpline for LGBTIQ+ individuals dealing with family violence, elder abuse, or sexual assault.
Phone: 1800 729 367
Website: www.rainbowdoor.org.au Women’s Information Referral Exchange (WIRE)
Free support, referrals, and information for women, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
Phone: 1300 134 130
Website: www.wire.org.auSexual Assault Crisis Line
Crisis counselling for past and recent sexual assault.
Phone: 1800 806 292 (24/7)
Website: www.sacl.com.auSouth Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SECASA)
Offers therapeutic interventions, counselling, and 24/7 sexual assault crisis response.
Phone: 03 9594 2289
Website: www.secasa.org.auMen’s Referral Service
Provides support for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour.
Phone: 1300 766 491
Website: www.ntv.org.au
Childcare and kindergarten facility upgrades
Child Safe Standards
The City of Port Phillip is a committed Child Safe organisation. Our commitment is to ensure that a culture of child safety is embedded into our practices and processes. Every child accessing City of Port Phillip has the right to feel and be safe. For further information please click on Child Safe Standards.
Contact us
Our Family, Youth and Children team is here to help.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6777