CIS Merri-bek

Introduction

We provide free and confidential information and support services to the people who live in Merri-bek.

  • Need help with finding services in your area?
  • Need help managing expenses like school costs or utility bills?
  • Struggling to put food on the table?
  • Come and chat to us.

Our Services

Information, Advocacy and Referral

Our friendly and experienced team are available to talk with you and explore different services and programs to best meet your needs.

We provide support to help you to connect and stay connected to your local community.

We assist people to connect with information, advocacy and referral to appropriate services and programs.

We provide practical assistance such as filling out forms, letter or email writing or assistance to negotiate a utility bill payment.

Our service is:

  • impartial and non-judgemental,
  • culturally sensitive
  • confidential and open to all, regardless of age or background.

Education Support

When funding is available, we provide assistance with school expenses.

Support can include assistance obtaining books, uniforms and other equipment for primary and secondary school students.

Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program is a free service designed to support you if you are having trouble paying your energy bills. We can help you to save money and receive help connecting with your energy retailer.

The program aims to:

  • provide you with one-on-one help to navigate the energy market
  • help you manage the rising cost of living by saving money on energy bills

To access the program, you should:

  • hold a Commonwealth Government Concession card; or
  • be struggling or expecting to struggle to pay your energy bill.

Volunteer Program

Volunteering is a way to become involved in your local community whilst meeting new people, learning skills or trying something new.

We help people identify their areas of interest and offer a range of volunteering options.

Please contact us today about to come and join the team or to get more information on volunteering options.

For a copy of the Volunteer Community Support Worker position description click HERE.

Student Placement Program

We offer a student placement program as we have a strong commitment to students undertaking placement. Students work with a strong supportive team. Please contact us today about undertaking a student placement at CIS Merri-bek.

Material and Financial Assistance Program

When funding is available, we may be able to assist you with food, personal care items, practical items and financial assistance.

For information on any of these services please contact us via the Send us a message form below or phone (03) 9350 3737.

Donate

To support the Merri-bek community click on the orange donate button below. All funds raised go directly back into the local community.

Feedback

We are here to support our community, if we occasionally get it wrong or you think we could be doing it better then we want to know about it. We’d also love to know when we get it right so that we can keep doing that. If you have any feedback about this service, please send through a message using the Send Us A Message form below, or call (03) 9350 3737

Where to find us

512 Sydney Rd (corner Urquhart Street) Coburg VIC 3058

Opening Hours

Monday – Thursday
10:00am – 2:30pm

P: 03 9350 3737
E: info@cismerri-bek.org.au
W: www.cisvic.org.au/Merri-bek

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Send us a message

Thanks

We have received your message and will aim to contact you within the next 2 working days.

In the meantime, please find information about other support below.

Merri-bek free and low cost food boxes – click HERE

Merri-bek food and material aid services – click HERE

Merri-bek community meals programs – click HERE 

Merri-bek community cupboards and pantries – click HERE

National Debt Helpline1800 007 007

Lifeline – 13 11 14 

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 

Headspace – 1800 650 890 

Seniors Rights Victoria Helpline 1300 368 821

Mensline Australia – 1300 78 99 78 

After Hours Child Protection – 13 12 78

Safe Steps – 1800 015 188

1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732

Men’s Referral Helpline 1300 766 491

Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817

With Respect (1800 LGBTIQ) 1800 542 847

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

SANE Australia – 1800 18 72 63

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Blue Knot Helpline – 1300 657 380

Maternal and Child Health Line – 13 22 29

Parentline – 13 22 89

Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 

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