What is Multicultural Health Connect?

Multicultural Health Connect is the first national helpline to help people in multicultural communities get health information and advice.

The helpline is free and confidential, and run by workers from multicultural backgrounds.

When you call Multicultural Health Connect, you will speak with a trained worker who understands and respects your culture, needs and concerns. They can help you in your language or with the help of an interpreter.

Who can use Multicultural Health Connect?

This service is for anyone from a multicultural background, whether they’re an Australian citizen or here on a visa of any kind.

You do not need to speak English to call the helpline. When you call, ask for an interpreter in your language.

What support does the helpline provide?

Multicultural Health Connect provides health information and advice in your language.

Call Multicultural Health Connect to:

• get free health advice from a nurse
• find doctors, hospitals, support, and community health centres
• find nearby services that can help you
• learn about COVID-19, including how to get a vaccination, protect yourself and your family and manage your symptoms if you get COVID-19

If your call is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) immediately. Multicultural Health Connect is not an emergency service.

What happens when I call the helpline?

A trained worker will answer your call. They will ask you some questions, including which language you want to speak. The helpline has interpreters for 160 languages.

If you are calling about a health concern for you or someone else, a nurse will join the call. The nurse will ask you questions and give you advice.

If you need a health service, the helpline worker can help you find the one you need.

Who provides the interpreting service?

The helpline connects to the Translating and Interpreting Service to speak with you in your language.

When can I call Multicultural Health Connect?

You can call 1800 186 8151800 186 815 from Monday to Friday, 11am to 7pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

The helpline is closed on public holidays. The service is not open in Tasmania and Queensland.

How is this helpline different to others?

Some people from multicultural backgrounds don’t like to use helplines because of language and cultural barriers. Multicultural Health Connect is led by experts from multicultural backgrounds who understand these barriers and can help you get the right healthcare.

Who runs Multicultural Health Connect?

Multicultural Health Connect is run by the Australian Government via Healthdirect Australia. It is delivered by the World Wellness Group, a specialist multicultural health service.