The objective of our service is to provide free and confidential financial counselling and advocacy services to low-income residents of the City of South Perth whom are experiencing financial hardship. Our aim is to help you manage a short-term crisis and plan to prevent a future one. Our service provides information, options and support for individuals, families and consumer groups to explore, develop and implement strategies to overcome their financial situation. Our Financial Counselling service serves the South Perth Region of Como, Manning, Karawara, Kensington, South Perth, Salter Point, and Waterford.

How a Financial Counsellor Can Help:

Negotiations — If someone has a loan, mortgage or credit card and is having difficulty maintaining repayments, a financial counsellor can assist in negotiating with creditors to reach an acceptable agreement.

Advocacy — Where a person feels overwhelmed and would like help in effectively communicating with government or non—government organisations, a financial counsellor can advocate on their behalf. (This includes Homeswest and Centrelink).

Bills — If someone canSouthcare'st pay an outstanding bill, a financial counsellor can help them look at their options and explain what they can do.

Debt Recovery — Where a person has received a letter of demand, a summons, a warrant of execution or a judgement summons and is not sure what to do next, a financial counsellor can explain the debt recovery process and assist them to take the appropriate course of action.

Budgeting — If someone is having difficulties making ends meet, a financial counsellor can assist them to develop a budgeting plan to suit their circumstances, and help them gain financial management skills that will enable them to take control of their finances.

Housing — A financial counsellor can provide information in relation to mortgages, housing and residential tenancy issues.

Bankruptcy — A financial counsellor can give information on bankruptcy and can also assist people to explore alternatives.

Referral — If a person requires a service that a financial counsellor cannot provide, a referral can be made to the appropriate service.

Further Information on Financial Counselling Services offered throughout the state of West Australia may be found at the following links:

www.financialcounsellors.org
Financial Counsellors Association of Western Australia 

www.fcrp.org.au
Financial Counsellors Resource Project