Anglicare services stretch to meet demand as more local families face financial stress
Anglicare’s team at the Ashmont Community Resource Centre encourage people to seek help early if they are facing job loss and financial instability as a result of COVID-19 measures.
Anglicare senior coordinator, Jasmine Woodland, says that while face to face services at the Ashmont centre, including sewing groups and playgroups, have been put on hold to protect community members from the spread of coronavirus, new email and phone hotlines have been set up to make sure local families don’t go hungry.
“We’ve temporarily closed our group activities, but we are still assisting people with emergency food relief,” explains Mrs Woodland. “We usually assist around 100 families a week but we are stretching to also meet the needs of more families who now find themselves facing financial challenges as a result of the coronavirus business shutdowns.”
Mrs Woodland says that people should seek help early before their financial situation becomes worse. “No-one should feel embarrassed about asking for help. These are really difficult times and at Anglicare we want people to feel supported. That means treating people with dignity and providing emotional support as well as practical support.”
People needing help should email RiverinaERCovid19@anglicare.com.au or phone the support number on 6931 3456.
Anglicare also wish to thank local businesses that have provided assistance during this time, and encourage anyone who would like to support their work to make a donation to Anglicare’s Easter Appeal by visiting www.anglicare.com.au
All donations will support Anglicare’s emergency relief services.
For more information or to arrange an interview, call 0437 321 451.
