How to support Melbourne locals during the current lockdowns

Yes, please, stay home. The more we limit physical interaction between us, the quicker this thing will be over. If you're able to work from home, you should only leave your house for absolutely essential trips, like going grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy. Connect with your friends and family online or over the phone so that you can see them online. Or click through to find a bunch of fun things you can do at home right now.

If you are currently eligible for the vaccine, please book in for your shot. Our best defence against this virus and another lockdown is more people getting the vaccine. To check if you are eligible for the vaccine, head here. If you'd like to book in a shot, head here. 

Anyone over the age of 18 in Australia can get the safe and effective AstraZeneca vaccination, even if they're otherwise ineligible under the current rollout phase. You'll need to speak with a GP first to determine if it's the right choice for you. 

Blood and plasma donations are vital in this time so Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is still seeking blood donations. If you are healthy and well, it's encouraged you book an appointment when it is safe to do so. It may seem counterintuitive to leave your house to do this, but please keep in mind donor centres are strictly regulated and sanitised spaces. Plus, donating blood is an essential act of caregiving which means it is exempt from the 5km travel limit. You can read about the measures donor centres are undertaking during the pandemic and book in a spot here.

Even though we're physically apart, it almost feels as if we're closer to people more than ever. We're seeing many people reaching out to their neighbours in an effort to show solidarity and offer support during this time of need.

Pop a letter in your neighbours' letterbox explaining who you are, where you live, and if they need any assistance right now. Give them your phone number so they can call or message you if they're out of loo paper or need someone to buy them vital supplies if they're less mobile or if they're self-isolating. You can also join a local "buy swap sell" group for your suburb on Facebook and see if anyone locally needs some support. Someone might be searching for a desk chair to loan while work from home or they might need someone to help them find long-life milk when all the supermarket shelves are empty. These acts of kindness will be invaluable for people in need. 

The government has announced closures of restaurants and bars, but takeaway and delivery services are still currently available. Click through to read a thorough list of Melbourne restaurants and bars still able to offer you food from their menus, rescue packs and even produce boxes that can get you through these tough times.

If you have the means, buying a gift card to a Melbourne venue is a great way to immediately help out a struggling business. Gift cards usually last a number of years, so there's plenty of time to use it – plus it's always great to have something to look forward to! We suggest buying a gift card from some of our favourite Melbourne restaurants or even for an entertainment venue like Holey Moley or a spa like Sense of Self.

Everyone has been hurt by the pandemic, but the arts and live performance industries have been given a particularly bad whalloping. But many oganisations have pivoted online; for example you can enjoy concerts from the MSO via MSO.Live, watch films via Lido, Classic and Cameo cinemas' streaming services, and you can stream Victorian Opera's production of Parrwang Lifts the Sky online too.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre looks after those people seeking asylum, who often have no income or government support. For them, the ASRC is their only avenue to food, shelter and medical care. You can donate money or goods now to help out these struggling Melburnians. More info here.

If you don’t want to brave the supermarkets, there are a few good grocery and meal delivery services available that still help Aussie farmers. For example, YourGrocer sources produce and groceries from local markets (like Prahran and Queen Victoria) as well as independent grocers. They even do same-day delivery. Here are more grocery delivery services in Melbourne to try. 

Foodbank is the country's largest food relief organisation. It provides essential food and grocery items to those in crisis all over Victoria. You can donate money to the organisation (every $1 donation allows them to provide two meals to someone in need) or you can donate food. Here's some more information about donating at Foodbank.

While we play our part and do our best to stay home, there is a way to support those regional Victorian businesses that are struggling with trade right now. It’s called Click for Vic, and it’s the Victorian government’s online platform showcasing businesses from all over Victoria. The platform has a variety of wares you can browse,  from Mount Zero Olives in the Grampians to bottles of gin from Echuca Distillery up near the Murray, craft beers from Sailors Grave Brewing out east in Gippsland and even skincare products from Olieve & Olie in the Mornington Peninsula.

This free community platform has launched to help neighbours connect (virtually) and help each other out. Whether you need help (say, you can't go out to get groceries or need someone to walk your dog) or you want to help out, Angel Next Door is the secure middle man you can use. Click through to read about it.