How to refer a friend using Ask Izzy

How-to refer a friend using Ask Izzy 

Ask Izzy is a referrals tool powered by a not-for-profit social enterprise. To access Ask Izzy, click the following link: https://askizzy.org.au/. 

If a friend on-shift indicates that they require support or information on an associated service, Ask Izzy is the ideal tool for volunteers to comfortably direct a friend to the help or further information they are seeking. 

You may try asking the friend if they would like some further information or contact details for a service near them. 

When opening Ask Izzy, a range of support service categories will appear. You can select from service options including housing, facilities, advocacy, health and beyond. If the friend indicates that they would like a referral or further information, select the relevant category to progress. Ask Izzy will now ask who you are referring, and provide you with the following options: (1) a client or consumer, (2) myself, (3) a friend or family member. 

Depending on the type of support the friend is seeking, Ask Izzy may require some key demographic information about the friend to ensure that the right available supports are listed. For example, if the friend is seeking a referral for housing and accommodation support, Ask Izzy will ask the following questions: 

1. Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight?
2. Do you identify as: male, female, trans or gender diverse?
3. How old are you?
4. Do any of the following apply to you: escaping family violence, seeking asylum, couples with children, pets, have a disability, parole/recently released, veteran, etc. 

Ask Izzy utilises this information to ensure the friend is directed to a service or facility in their location that can provide specific assistance to them. You may wish to ask the friend these questions or alternatively, allow them to fill out these questions privately. 

Ask Izzy will produce a list of services near your current location as optional contacts for the friend to reach out to. The information provided about each service usually contains a brief summary of the service, their opening hours, eligibility criteria and some accessibility notes.