Now Victoria’s largest provider of financial counselling
Anglicare Victoria (AV) has expanded its financial counselling services over the last 25 years to the point where it is now the largest provider in Victoria, helping record numbers of families and individuals who have been pushed into financial hardship and insecurity
Offering free and confidential financial information, advice and advocacy, AV’s skilled counsellors help people take control of their finances and re-establish their independence.
“Issues around finances are stressful, shameful and can break families apart,” says Lesley Conway, AV’s Team Leader Financial Counselling, Eastern Region. “Financial counselling assists in empowering clients to gain or regain financial control. This is at the core of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, helping them with their physiological needs, safety, and security.”
From helping families manage household arrears to advocating with utility companies; education in money management and navigating complex debt, AV’s financial counsellors work closely with clients to ensure they have the support and skills they need to get a fair go and start down the path towards financial well-being.
“What you have done for me is truly amazing and I am holding back the tears at the sense of relief you have given me. I could not have done this without your help.”
“I am extremely grateful for the wonderful assistance given to me. HUGE THANK YOU. I believe without your help, I would still be in a devastating situation.”
AV has continued to evolve its financial counselling services to meet the diverse needs of our communities, offering services such as family violence, financial counselling, and the Gambler’s Help program.
Bringing alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and support to the community
AV AOD staff have seen an increase in drinking and substance use across vulnerable groups in the community over the past couple of years. AV provided 3,470 outreach, assessment, and counselling services in 2021 alone to clients. Reach Out is a one-stop-shop which provides a broad range of services for those struggling with drinking or drugs. Care and recovery clinicians can help with more complex cases, connecting clients with whatever services are needed most, from general AOD counselling, food and housing to mental health support, transport to and from vaccination appointments, and reunification for families which have struggled with addiction.
