Frankston City Community Recovery Call Centre now open

Frankston City Council has launched a call centre referral service to help impacted residents navigate and connect with the services and resources they need to recover from COVID-19.

The Community Recovery Call Centre is now open, with staff manning phones to refer residents and businesses to support services suited to their current needs.

Frankston City Council Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said the city was privileged so many community based organisations were on hand to offer support at this difficult time.

“We recognise that our community’s needs are different at the moment, including that of our business community. Many residents and businesses are doing it tough and some are accessing support services for the first time,” Cr Mayer said.

“The call centre is designed to facilitate connection with service agencies along with Council services, including but not limited to meals assistance, housing and family violence supports, financial hardship services, parenting and aged services information.

“We also have our business concierge on hand to support local businesses connect with Council and government supports available,” the Mayor said.

Council officers have already commenced proactively cold-calling hundreds of known vulnerable residents to check in and to make sure they are getting the help they need.

"We understand that navigating services can be overwhelming so our call centre staff are trained to put you in touch with the right people to help you with your situation.”

Cr Mayer added that social isolation measures necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19, meant some people couldn’t access their usual support networks.

“This can make it harder to know where to turn for help. Our hope is that the Community Recovery Call Centre can assist in bridging the gap.”

Cr Mayer said those who had already connected with support services, should continue to talk to them directly.

If you need help finding the right support, please phone Frankston City Council on 1300 322 322 and ask to be referred to the Community Recovery Call Centre. The centre is open Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.