Crucial Support

I first met G a few months ago when she presented to the Centre with her 3 children. G is a single mother who has experienced long term financial discomfort as the sole provider for her family. Despite this, she has always managed to juggle her parental duties and casual employment and give her children a positive life.

Recently, G’s youngest child was diagnosed with a debilitating illness which requires term care. G was no longer able to work and spent most of her time at home caring for her child. This loss of income provided a number of challenges for the young family.

G was unable to afford registration costs for the children, she fell behind on the quarterly bills, and the family’s pharmacy bill skyrocketed. G explained that she had turned to cheaper options for meals, however she was concerned about the long-term implications that this would have on her children

G explored the option of applying to receive the carers payment however the payment is only available to those who are caring for someone for longer than 6 months, and she is therefore ineligible. With nowhere to turn and the growing feeling of dread hanging over her, G reached out for support for the first time in her life. G later described the anxiety and shame that she felt when initially reaching out for support.

‘I never thought I would need to reach out for support. I remember walking up the driveway to St John’s Care and contemplating turning around and leaving but I am so happy I didn’t’, she said.

Our staff and volunteers supported G with her pharmacy bills, and some healthier food options including fruit, vegetables and meat. After advocating on G’s behalf, we have also arranged for some support caring for her child, allowing G to return to work and alleviating some of the financial stress she was facing.

Through the provision of support, advocacy, and referrals, SJC managed to walk with this family at a crucial time in their life and ensure that they did not fall into a cycle of disadvantage. G’s child’s health has improved, and we are excited to continue supporting her beyond her recovery. This is just one of the many client stories that would not be possible without the instrumental support we receive from those in our community – thank you.

Kind regards.

Robbie Speldewinde
Operations Manager

Items Required: Pads and tampons, cup-a-soup, peanut butter, milo, rice meals