Here for Tasmanians
In the midst of the coronavirus emergency, Anglicare is bringing support (and some smiles) to the Tasmanian community.
Last week, home tutors safely delivered educational resources and craft supplies for children’s ongoing learning in the midst of the crisis.
Anglicare is finding new ways to stay connected with 64 families participating in the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), a school-readiness program which Anglicare delivers in Launceston.
HIPPY supplies free stationery, activity books and drawing materials for children. “Tutors followed all of the physical distancing measures while dropping off new activity packs,” said HIPPY Coordinator, Aparna Banerjee. “We were very aware that a lot of children are not spending as much time outdoors as usual, so it was important to us to get these resource out to support their learning. The children are always so excited to receive a pack”.
In the weeks ahead, Anglicare will keep posting out these activities and following up with telephone calls to parents. “We will be checking in regularly to keep providing important social support for families,” said Aparna.
Anglicare is also continuing to provide essential services to older people and those living with disability.
While some people have made the switch to telephone services, our offices remain open to respond to urgent community needs.
“There are many people experiencing the flow-on effects of this public health situation,” said CEO Chris Jones. “Our doors are open for people needing assistance. Thousands of Tasmanians have been impacted by flow-on effects such as job losses and the closure of businesses”.
“Anglicare is already connected with some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Chris. “We are reassuring them that they’re not alone and they will be able to continue to access essentials – even with the many important and necessary restrictions in place to help slow the spread of the virus”.
Jonathan Turk leads Anglicare’s 16-member team of financial counsellors. He anticipates demand for financial counselling services will double in the months ahead.
“Right now people have some savings or have made contacting Centrelink their priority,” he said. “But there are already signs that across the country we’ll see a spike in calls from people worried about ongoing bills and how they’ll pay those”.
Jonathan said financial counsellors could help people to understand their rights and options, as well as navigate the useful government payments and subsidies recently announced. Counsellors can provide information about a range of matters, including rent arrears, utilities, credit cards and home loans.
“Right now, we can help people to clarify their financial situation and figure out how they’re going to manage on a reduced budget,” he said. “While there are many unknowns about what the future holds, we want to support people to be in the best possible situation for recovery”.
