Tailored support – and a super-power

Anglicare Tasmania’s financial counselling service supports Tasmanians to take back control of their finances – and it’s free. Recently ABC Radio listeners heard Lynne Watson, Anglicare’s Program Manager for Financial Resilience and Wellbeing explain what to expect when they contact the National Debt Helpline.

Lynne (pictured above) said financial counsellors in Tasmania had seen an increase in mortgage and rental stress over the past 12 months – in line with figures released recently by Financial Counselling Australia that show an increase in the number of people who contacted the National Debt Helpline in 2024.

“My heart goes out most frequently to the individuals and families in private rentals,” said Lynne. “Rental properties are so hard to come by. There’s huge pressure to pay increased rent, and people often sacrifice other essentials such as pharmacy items; they change their grocery shopping habits and sometimes allow car and home and contents insurances to lapse.”

Understanding and respect

“Any one of us can find ourselves in financial difficulties, largely due to circumstances beyond our control,” said Lynne.

“We are really aware that people struggle to reach out for help. All of us, when we are faced with a challenge, try and resolve it ourselves first, and we appreciate people’s efforts to do this – but it’s never too late to reach out for help. Of course the earlier you reach out, the less stress you will be under.

Everybody is welcome. When someone contacts the National Debt Helpline they will speak to a Tasmanian who understands our local situation particularly well. All the people they may talk to, including the service centre staff at Anglicare, are friendly, non-judgmental and very professional.

A super-power

Anglicare provides tailored support to meet a variety of needs and circumstances. An initial call to the National Debt Helpline can be followed up with face-to-face appointments at an Anglicare office or outreach site, and further telephone support.

Lynne highlighted an aspect of the service that provides special support to people who are struggling with unpaid bills.

“Our magic wand – our super-power – is the capacity we have to advocate on behalf of our clients with creditors,” she said.

“Consumer and credit law directs creditors that they have to talk to us. We can, if the client allows us, stop them from contacting clients directly. When we step into the middle space between a client and a creditor, it breaks a vicious cycle that impacts people’s mental and physical health.

“Please, give us a call if you’re stuck – there’s no such thing as a stupid question: we’re here to help!”

Contacting Anglicare’s financial counselling service

The best way to make initial contact is by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. The call is free, and it will connect you to an Anglicare Tasmania financial counsellor.

Find out more about Anglicare’s financial counselling service here.