More Evidence Gfc Pain Persists

Embargoed until 0600hrs AEDT, Tuesday 10th November, 2009

More Evidence GFC Pain Persists

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009: Data being announced by ANGLICARE Sydney today warns of continuing pain in Sydney and the Illawarra in the wake of the global financial crisis (GFC).

Figures from ANGLICARE's seven Emergency Relief (ER) centres reveal demand began to climb in March 2009 six months after the Reserve Bank first cut interest rates in response to the GFC.

The research shows, in one month from April to May 2009, requests for assistance increased by 25 per cent. In June and July 2009, demand was 29 per cent higher than the same period in 2008.

The study also reveals a sharp increase in people experiencing housing and accommodation issues (25 per cent of service users in July 2009 up from 15 per cent in the same month in 2007); and a steadily growing number of unemployed people seeking assistance.

Dr Ian Jackson, Acting CEO of ANGLICARE Sydney, is announcing the new data at the launch of ANGLICARE's Toys'n'Tucker campaign which provides Christmas food and gifts for families who are struggling financially.

He says the research is "worrying".

"With the government predicting that unemployment will rise in the coming year, we expect things to get worse before they get better," he says.

"It is also distressing to see the increasing number of people lacking one of life's basic necessities a secure roof over their heads."

Dr Jackson says ANGLICARE is working hard to interview and assist as many people as possible and has volunteers working alongside staff to increase the charity's capacity.

"However, housing insecurity and unemployment are complex issues that can undermine individual and family wellbeing long-term.

"We are hoping the Federal Government will support our proposal to introduce case managers at emergency relief centres who can help address the inter-relating issues of housing, unemployment, health and debt," he says.

"We want to encourage people not to despair and help them access all the support available during a difficult time."

The new data updates ANGLICARE's report Social Exclusion:The Sydney Experience providing a view of trends over 25 months from July 2007 to the end of July 2009.

Meanwhile, ANGLICARE Sydney's Toys'n'Tucker program is preparing to deliver Christmas gifts for more than 3700 children in Sydney, the Southern Highlands, Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Volunteers are packing donations which are being collected throughout the community and online. It's not too late to contribute. People can visit the website www.simplygiving.com.au/anglicare to choose from a range of gifts or www.toysntucker.org.au to make a financial donation.

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Media contact: Leonie Savage, Media Officer, 0411 779 337

SOURCE: ANGLICARE Sydney