Media Release 13 October, 2009
Demand for emergency relief has increased by more than 76% over
the last three years, proving that economic hardship has been
increasing long before the Global Financial Crisis began.
UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania will launch tomorrow It’s not about the bread, a
detailed report on the changing dynamics of emergency relief.
Wednesday 14 October
10.30am
South Port UnitingCare
319 Dorcas Street
South Melbourne
Thousands of people are seeking help for the first time, cases of complex and extreme
hardship are increasing and demand is apparent across a wider socio-economic
spectrum. So what can be done?
UCV&T director Raoul Spackman-Williams and UnitingCare Australia national
director, Lin Hatfield-Dodds will explain where the trends lie and strategies in place
to contend with this alarming problem.
Key points include:
Demand for food and rent assistance is increasing and more people are seeking
emergency relief more frequently.
Eleven of the 14 UCV&T agencies have not been able to meet all requests for
assistance.
Volunteers - who make up 94% of agency workforce - need up-skilling to
contend with the growing complexity and severity of hardships experienced.
Financial stress is causing more social isolation, depression, loneliness, family
breakdowns and school absences.
Most people who seek relief are excellent money managers – it’s their income
affordability which is grossly inadequate.
Stronger coordination within the emergency relief sector is needed to
streamline funding processes and strengthen advocacy.
Media contact: Raoul Spackman-Williams 0419 504 426
Hardcopies of It’s not about the bread will be available at the launch, by emailing
Michael Docherty at michael.docherty@victas.uca.org.au, or phoning (03) 9251 5222.
NEWS 
