The objective of this service is to provide free and confidential financial counselling and advocacy services to low-income residents of the City of South Perth who are experiencing financial hardship. The aim is to help people manage a short-term crisis and plan to prevent a future one. The service provides information, options and support for individuals, families and consumer groups to explore, develop and implement strategies to overcome a difficult financial situation. Southcare's 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:

The financial counsellor does more than offer advice on budgeting. They can offer moral support and general assistance in the following areas :

Negotiations - A financial counsellor can assist in negotiating with creditors to reach an acceptable agreement, for anyone who has a loan, mortgage or credit card and is having difficulty maintaining repayments.

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 can't 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, so that they gain financial management skills that should 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:

Financial Counsellors Association of Western Australia

Financial Counsellors Resource Project

Please Contact Us for more information.