ANGLICARE highlights the Illawarra's changing needs
ANGLICARE today outlined a detailed and comprehensive picture of the Illawarra community as it has changed over more than 45 years of active community service delivery.
“In the last ten years we have witnessed a changing emphasis as to why people seek assistance,” Peter Kell, ANGLICARE’s CEO, told a Wollongong gathering this morning.
“Although financial hardship is the most significant reason – and this is increasing – we are seeing greater evidence of issues with housing, relationship breakdown and depression.”
Mr Kell described a list of emerging community needs presenting challenges and direction for the organisation, including:
• the rise of carers looking after people with a disability at home who need support and help planning for the future
• the growing number of clients who are renters and are still finding themselves affected by rising interest rates which are squeezing those on the lower end of the rental market
• the increase in demand for depression-related counseling; and the strains placed on some relationships by violence, drug and alcohol abuse
“We know the Illawarra is focused on community and we will be working in partnership with churches and others on a range of ways to build community capacity,” Mr Kell said.
“There is also a strong sense of urgency to speak out…we need to be a voice for those who have no voice,” he told the gathering and commended the Rudd Government’s removal of gagging clauses which were placed on organisations receiving Commonwealth funding.
Mr Kell also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers who made ANGLICARE’s work possible in the Illawarra.
For comment contact Peter Kell on 0402 849 010. Media contact: Leonie Savage 0411 779 337.
