Support for Complex Needs
Sometimes things are more challenging. Our experienced team can work alongside individuals and families facing more complex challenges, taking the time to understand your circumstances and providing case management, advocacy, practical assistance and connections to specialist services.
Low Income Support Service
Our Low Income Support Service (LISS) provides free and confidential support for people who are doing it tough and need help to work through the challenges they are facing.
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Our LISS case worker takes the time to listen, understand what is happening, prioritise goals and work alongside each person to find practical ways forward.
Support can include help with financial challenges, household bills, budgeting, advocacy and negotiation, connecting with specialist services for more complex issues such as mental health and ageing, or simply working through a particular issue that has become overwhelming.
The support is shaped around each person and what matters most to them. For some, one appointment may be enough to resolve an issue. For others, support may continue over time while they work through more complex circumstances.
The aim is simple - to help people understand their options, make informed decisions and feel more supported and confident moving forward.
Family Support Service
Our Family Support Service (FSS) provides free and confidential support for families with dependent children under 18 who are going through a difficult time, experiencing hardship or facing particular challenges that are impacting the everyday life of the family.
We know that family life can sometimes become overwhelming, particularly when there are a number of things happening at once. Our Family Support Worker takes the time to listen, understand what is going on and work alongside families to help find a way forward. Our worker will help to set goals and work towards those goals in a positive way.
Support can include help with household bills, budgeting and finances, advocacy, school and education concerns, connecting with specialist services for more complex or ongoing issues, or simply helping families work through an issue they are struggling with.
Every family is different, so the support is shaped around what they need. It may be one appointment to help resolve a particular issue, or ongoing support through more complex circumstances.
Children are always welcome, with a play space available during appointments.
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
Our No Interest Loan Scheme provides access to safe and affordable loans for people on low incomes who need help paying for essential goods and services, with no interest, fees or charges. You only pay back what you borrow, nothing more.
Loans of up to $2,000 can be used for things like household appliances and furniture, car repairs and registration, medical, dental or vet expenses, a new computer or laptop, education costs and essential employment expenses. Loans are paid back over two years.
Our trained NILS team will take the time to talk through your situation, check your eligibility and make sure any repayments are affordable. There are no credit checks for standard NILS loans, and we don't judge you on your financial history. If you are approved, NILS will pay the cost straight to the supplier.
What NILS can and cannot cover
- Can cover: appliances, furniture, car repairs and registration, medical, dental and vet expenses, computers, education and essential work costs
- Cannot cover: cash, bills, debts or rent
If you need help with purchasing a vehicle, we can also refer you to the NILS for Vehicles program to explore whether that option may be suitable.
Not sure whether NILS could help? Give us a call on 03 5986 1285 or drop in and have a chat with our team.
You can help make a difference
Every contribution helps us continue providing essential support to people experiencing hardship and crisis across the Southern Peninsula.