We fund vital services to step in early with practical help and human connection for residents experiencing hardship.
Here's what it means for real local people (not their actual names) to have support to get them on their feet again.
Lee
The Camcare program at Access Health and Community supports residents like Lee, an older adult struggling to afford fresh food and household expenses while caring for his wife. Limited English and a dialect barrier made things even harder until Lee met a program volunteer who also spoke Shanghainese. The right support then followed: immediate food relief, help navigating medical costs and services, and connection into the local Chinese community. Practical help became a pathway to greater stability, confidence and social connection.
Kate
Camcare's Parenting Outreach Support Service can be a turning point for new parents struggling in the exhausting early months with a new baby. For first-time mum Kate, having access to counselling, practical casework and linked services was life changing. She joined the group 'Baby's OK, What About You?' to help manage anxiety, build confidence and strengthen her connection with her baby. Kate's partner was also linked with wellbeing support, ensuring both had access to care during a vulnerable stage of family life.
Wendy
Boroondara Community Outreach (BCO) supported Wendy when she urgently needed safety and stability. Housing and financial hardship and a history of fleeing family violence were causing relentless stress. Through BCO, Wendy received emergency food and clothing, along with practical advocacy to help her access financial support, safe housing and childcare. Today, Wendy is employed and no longer in crisis. She has stronger community connections and ongoing support around her.
We're funding these services, provided by Access Health and Community and Boroondara Community Outreach, for the next 3 years.
