Australians are not known for asking for help when they first need it. Even in the current crisis we tend to think ourselves as the lucky country, which is supported with an attitude of ‘she’ll be right mate’. We remain bunkered down in isolation and despite the efforts of Federal and State Governments providing financial stimulus more and more people will find themselves needing assistance for the basics over the coming months, some for the first time.
The SA Government has for many years provided for a network of support agencies across the State that can help with the basics such as food, financial help and support. We call this Network, [Emergency Relief](https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/food/emergency-relief). It supports people in need with food, financial and material assistance. Access to No-Interest-Loan-Scheme, cheaper insurance, the basic essentials and free Financial Counselling to help manage debt.
As this Network is Government funded there are strict measures in place so that these services are accountable, accessible and beneficial to those experiencing financial hardship.
The SA Government funded ER agencies are provided below for convenience and to answer a few recent questions on social media.
Eastern Adelaide - Baptist Care SA 8118 5200
Northern Adelaide - Anglicare SA 1800 061 552
Southern Adelaide - Anglicare Sa 1800 748 149
Western Adelaide - UnitingCare Wesley Bowden 8245 7139
Adelaide Hills - The Hut Community Centre 8339 4400
Barossa, Light and Lower North - Lutheran Community Care 8562 2688
Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island - Junction Australia 8392 3000
Eyre and Western - CentreCare Catholic Country SA 1800 759 865
Far North - CentreCare Catholic Country SA 1800 759 865
Limestone Coast - ac.care 7725 3000
Murray and Mallee - ac.care Murraylands: 8531 4901 Riverland: 8580 5301
Yorke and Mid North - Uniting Country SA 1300 067 777
There are also federally funded programs such as The Salvation Army’s Doorways Program, which is the biggest provider of Emergency Relief in South Australia and utilises their reach to stretch across the state. It also provides many other forms of personalised supports. With 23 major centres in the state they form an important part of servicing the South Australian community and are subject to similar Government scrutiny.
Outside Adelaide there are the [Australian Red Cross](https://affordablesa.com.au/news-articles/the-australian-red-cross-in-regional-sa) and [community transport networks](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/transport/community-passenger-network) that help people get to and from services and medical appointments. In the regional areas transport is one of the big issues and without all these organisations working together many would find living in the bush a lot harder and very isolated. Organisations such as FoodBank, Oz Harvest, Second Bite and even your local supermarket form an important supply chain for these Networks.
There are smaller groups outside of normal funding arrangements such as churches and charities that help to support their communities. Some ask for donations and some charge a fee to cover their costs. Mostly they provide food to get by and some obtain grants or special funding or find support from local businesses to give a little extra. Their genuine enthusiasm and care can come from personal hardship experience and is always well received by those they help.
Community Centres often promote sharing programs with [grow free](https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/food/grow-free) tables and local [Food Pantry](https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/food/food-pantry) clubs where you pay a low cost for a number of items. Many are increasingly providing food markets and food parcels at no cost. Many have social programs that incorporate free lunches and welcome anyone from the community. Of course with isolation practices in place many of these services are closed or are providing delivery or drive through pick ups. There are even a lot of goodwill volunteers who organise themselves to provide food for locals in times such as these or help pick an over abundance of fruit to share with the community. Locally sourced seasonal fruit for free, what more could you ask for?
You don’t know what you don’t know and many simply don’t know where to find and access help. Affordable SA is a user-focused suite of services, keeping people informed and aware of the community supports and services available to help whilst linking in with many organisations and promoting all the services, big and small. [Affordable SA](https://www.affordablesa.com.au) is committed to making it easy for you to connect and access these services in time of need.
Most of the funded organisations provide [Emergency Relief](https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/food/emergency-relief) combined with [financial counselling](https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/financial-counselling-services), budgeting advice or [utilities education](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/utilities/connected-utilities-literacy). Some specialise in family relationships or consumer law to cover the full range of needs and many link together to form hubs of support for metro and regional areas.
Using a joint approach to providing food assistance and financial counselling works far better than just providing food alone. A financial counsellor is FREE, independent and confidential. They can help provide a new start for long-term debt issues and be an advocate for you in times of financial hardship. Accessing these services sooner rather than later can drastically change your financial outcomes and remove the related stress and mental anguish associated with being in a vulnerable financial situation.
In the coming months many of us will need to seek help. South Australia has been a leading example of doing the right thing by our neighbours. But the bell will toll and hopefully we will get through to the other side by standing together whilst apart #allinthistogether