AV supported Victorians with their finances during lockdowns over the last couple of years, but the post COVID period and the increasing cost of living crisis are proving to continue to put the squeeze on vulnerable Victorian families.
Large utility debts continue to burden vulnerable Victorians, who also need support to pay bills and rent. AV’s financial counselling teams provide support for an increasing number of people having a hard time paying their mortgages and also continue to help many people who lost their homes in the bushfires or other natural disasters.
They not only provide advice on available relief payments but advocate on behalf of their clients with insurance companies or utilities who are slow to act when need cannot be more urgent. “As a result of the financial wellness worker’s negotiations, my stress levels are greatly reduced and my understanding of the benefits of realistic budgeting activities has improved” – Financial counselling client
AV also has financial counsellors who specialise in helping survivors of family violence get back on their feet. Many of those who suffer abuse in a relationship also suffer financial abuse, where their partners maintain control of their finances and spending. This makes it much more difficult to leave a relationship and make a new start, particularly when children are involved. AV’s financial counsellors can help survivors by advocating on their behalf when they have outstanding debts and household expenses. They will also make referrals to other organisations and services that can provide additional support during these difficult
AV has recently trialled the integration of Financial Counselling into our Emergency Relief (ER) services, something that worked well during the pandemic. This collaborative approach has seen financial counsellors being co-located at both Mission House and Preston ER sites. As part of this process, a new ER Intake and Assessment Form that screens for financial counselling needs was developed and our ER volunteers and staff at both sites trained to more fully understand the role of a Financial Counsellor and the support they can offer in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills to speak to clients about the availability and potential helpfulness of FC services.
Chris de Paiva, Diocese and Parish Partnerships Program Manager says that the integration of these two services makes a lot of sense, “Emergency Relief provides support on a temporary, one-off basis in times of hardship and the once off emergency provision is helpful to clients, but ongoing support is necessary, so linking these two services just makes sense.”
