Financial Counselling and Gamblers’ Help Programs
Financial Counselling
Free, confidential financial counselling is available in Ballarat, Daylesford, Bacchus Marsh and Ararat. Contact the relevant office. This is a para-legal service that assists people in financial difficulty by providing information and support to negotiate with creditors; to arrange assistance dealing with electricity, gas and water suppliers and to consider the implications of bankruptcy.
Gamblers’ Help
Specific assistance is offered to people with financial difficulties arising from the problem gambling behaviour of themselves or a family member. Financial counselling and referral to counselling support is available, as well as community education around gambling issues. Contact 5337 3333.
No Interest Loans Community Development Initiative
CAFS has been sub-contracted by Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service to assist local communities establish a no interest loans scheme for families on low incomes who need access to credit to purchase essential household items. The NILS Community Development worker is based in Ballarat.
School Focused Youth Service (SFYS)
SFYS is run in partnership with Ballarat Community Health Centre. It aims to foster interventions that support vulnerable young people, and in order to do this builds links between schools and community organisations. One of the major strategies is to provide and administer a brokerage fund that allows schools and community groups to apply for small amounts of funding to run projects that support students. Contact 5337 3333.
The SFYS is funded through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Delacombe Community House
CAFS is proud to auspice the Delacombe Community House which is based in Leawarra Crescent Delacombe and managed by a community-based committee of management. Our long term objective is that the House will become fully independent. The house offers a range of educational, fun and supportive activities for individuals and families and is always looking for new people to join in, and to join the committee. All enquiries to the House on 5335 6633.