A Sunbury social worker is calling for additional social services in the region, noticing an increase in people seeking assistance.
A volunteer with not-for-profit organisation Give Until it Hurts (GUIH), social worker Garnet Jacob said one area he would like to see more services in is homelessness support.
“There is a lack of housing workers … in Sunbury to assist these vulnerable people who need a face-to-face assessment urgently to get a roof over their heads and a safe place for accommodation,” Mr Jacob said.
He said Sunbury could also benefit from additional financial counselling services.
“With the rental market peaking, it is difficult for people on income support to make both ends meet,” he said.
“Many are not aware of the Utility Hardship Grant or microfinance no interest loan schemes, debt waiver … and material aid support in place. To find a financial counsellor in Sunbury is very hard, therefore if we can have a few agencies who can provide [it], this help will be much appreciated.”
He said through his volunteering position, he has noticed a spike in the amount of women seeking assistance due to family domestic violence.
“Many of these women [have] young children. Some of them need to [seek] new accommodation, safety plans, risk assessments, and … legal and welfare benefits to ensure they can sustain their single-parenthood … and change of circumstances,” he said.
“This is causing a lot of stress and uncertainty leading to trauma. GUIH has felt that there is a need for a peer support group to support these women so therefore has started engaging with this cohort of women to help them identify services that can support them during this difficult time.”
Mr Jacob said that those aged 18–25 are lacking in support, with his organisation planning to also introduce a program catered for this demographic.
He also said that the long wait times to see a psychologist or counsellor could be reduced by providing more of these services in Sunbury.
In regards to continuing to address these issues, Mr Jacob said it is important to “identify the needs of our community members, conduct regular reviews on community trends … receive and encourage public feedback, create awareness, and maintain supportive networks to address the needs of our community members.”
