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With 3.24 million Australians, including more than three-quarters of a million children, living below the poverty line, The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service is encouraging people to reach out early for help.

Although Australia is experiencing one of the most severe financial disasters in our country’s history, there is hope for those who reach out, with over three-quarters (79%) of those who came to Moneycare reporting positive mental health after receiving assistance.

Further, an enormous 68% of those who came to Moneycare reported positive progress in personal wellbeing, while 67% said they no longer had ‘problem debt’.

Moneycare, The Salvation Army’s free financial counselling service, offers face-to-face, phone or video appointments to anyone in Australia, and helps thousands of people get out of financial difficulty and build resilience every year.

As part of the annual Anti-Poverty Week (October 11-17), Wednesday October 14 is The Salvos National ‘Moneycare Day’.

Since April this year, almost a third of all people who received assistance from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare Service have been impacted by the disasters of COVID-19 and bushfires, and therefore have reached out to Moneycare for the first time.

“Nobody knew we were about to suffer the double blow of bushfires then the coronavirus. But just as we’ve done in the past and we’ll do again in the future, the Salvos will be there to lend a hand where it is needed most,” said Kristen Hartnett, Salvation Army Moneycare Financial Counsellor.

Last summer’s bushfire disaster followed by the COVID-19 crisis caused financial hardship for many Australians, including those who have endured years of severe drought.

It was also found that COVD-19 related recipients were much younger than the regular demographic of those presenting to Moneycare, while bushfire recipients were older, highlighting how disasters truly do not discriminate.

Moneycare is a fierce advocate against irresponsible lending and the use of payday lenders, with over $1.75 million of debt being attributed to these high-interest loans for people Moneycare have helped in 2019/20.

Scott, who fell victim to payday lenders and was helped by Moneycare earlier this year, said, “The Salvos Moneycare financial counsellors not only helped me get my finances back on track, but also my life and my mental health. I am so grateful to the team at Moneycare.”

Kristen Hartnett added, “Because of this year’s disasters, we have found that anyone can find themselves without work, on JobSeeker or in financial stress, just like Scott. I’d encourage anyone who’s worried about their financial situation to reach out. You have more options than you think.”

“Not only is Moneycare free, it is also completely safe and confidential. Please get help early, because there is hope.”