By Tanya Steele
The Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc (HICCI) is opening its arms to support locals, with Lifeline data showcasing an increased need for support services.
“It’s been picking up since the start of the year, our regular clients are needing more help than they have before,” HICCI Emergency Relief Manager Sheree Laumen said.
Lifeline released data this week showing increased and recorded activity on their website for help and support this year.
There were over 26,000 searches for assistance and support in January 2023 across Australia.
Referral searches made by Lifeline’s counsellors specifically regarding financial issues and homelessness went up 49 percent between August 2022 and January 2023.
While HICCI have seen slight increases with client volume picking up since the beginning of the year, so far they are meeting the public’s requirements with no problem.
“We haven’t been overwhelmed so far, probably a few more homeless clients have come into the area, but the clients we do have are needing more help,” she said.
“They’ve had less money and so they’re coming to us more for food assistance.”
Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seer confirms increase in demand for support at their support centres as well.
“Many of these centres are reporting a significant increase in demand for financial support, including food distribution. We are seeing this happen right now, all across the country,” he said.
The increases are affecting people nationwide and also people that do not normally need the extra help.
“Our centres are reporting an increase in help seekers who have never experienced financial stress before,” Mr Seer said.
“We know cost of living pressures also disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, including people who are unemployed, renters and young families.”
Ms Laumen said one of the main concerns at the moment is for people who aren’t asking for help, encouraging residents to call in anytime.
“We always feel that we are missing people who perhaps work and are on a smaller income and don’t usually use us as a resource, they are the ones we struggle to reach,” she said.
HICCI encourages people to call them and can also arrange food drops for people that can’t make it into the centre.
“Even if you have a mortgage and you’re working, we are covering Healesville, Yarra Glen and surrounds and you are entitled to come in.”
Ms Laumen has long felt that people can be shy about asking for help and encourages people to not worry.
“We don’t judge anybody and we’re just here to help, we all at some point in our life need a bit of help.”
