How Southcare supports you through life’s everyday challenges
How we’re helping Perth locals cope with the cost of living
As the cost of living continues to rise, more West Australians are reaching out for help , and at Southcare, we’re here to make sure no one faces those challenges alone. Every day, our Community Support team provides caring hands and practical solutions to people across Perth who need help with food, finances, housing, and family support.
Southcare consistently receives many calls, emails, and visits from locals reaching out for emergency relief including food support and how to pay electricity bills as well as financial counselling and additional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a sign of how challenging times have become for many Perth households. Whether you’re finding it hard to put food on the table, manage bills, or keep energy costs down, Southcare’s community support services are here to help you find relief and regain stability.
Here’s how we’re supporting our community , and how you can access help when you need it most.
Emergency relief: immediate help when times get tough
Life can change in an instant, a job loss, sudden illness, or unexpected bill can leave anyone struggling to make ends meet. That’s where our emergency relief services step in.
If you’re facing a crisis, we can help you cover essential costs like food, utilities, or medication. Southcare provides emergency relief food vouchers, referrals to other community and government support programs and a weekly bread service and Mobile Foodbank .
Our emergency relief Perth program is free for residents in the City of South Perth, including Manning, Como, Karawara, Kensington, Salter Point and Waterford. You can visit our team between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for a confidential appointment, no booking required.
This emergency food relief service is here for anyone doing it tough and living in the City of South Perth,, whether you’re between jobs, facing an unexpected expense, or trying to stretch your pension a little further. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and connect you with longer-term support.
Financial Counselling: free, confidential advice when you need it most
Money worries can creep up on anyone, a few missed bills, rising rent, or mounting credit card debt can quickly feel overwhelming. If that sounds familiar, our financial counselling service is here for you.
Southcare’s community financial counselling services are free, confidential, and without judgement.. Our accredited financial counsellor can:
- Assess your financial situation
- Advocate and negotiate with creditors on your behalf
- Help with budgeting, debt recovery, or housing challenges
- Provide information about Government assistance and consumer credit
If you’re searching for financial counselling in Perth, you’ll find practical, caring advice here. Many people reach out when they’re falling behind on bills, worried about losing their home, or struggling to manage everyday costs, and that’s the perfect time to get help before things snowball.
Mobile Foodbank: affordable food relief
Food insecurity can happen to anyone, families juggling rising living costs, older adults on fixed incomes, or single parents trying to make the weekly shop stretch further.
That’s why Southcare partners with Foodbank to make healthy, affordable groceries accessible to our community. A Mobile Foodbank visits Southcare every Monday between 11.30am and 12.30pm (excluding public holidays) at 54 Bickley Crescent, Manning.
Bring your pre-registered Foodbank referral and enjoy:
- Free seasonal fruit, vegetables, and bread
- Everyday essential dry goods
- Frozen meals and assorted frozen products
This Foodbank Perth initiative helps those who need a little extra support between pay cycles or during difficult times. It’s part of Southcare’s Community Support program and is available to eligible residents who have been assessed by our team.
Even a small helping hand can make a big difference, making sure local families can put nutritious food on the table without extra stress.
Energy Ahead: helping you take control of your energy bills
High energy bills can hit hard, especially during Perth’s hot summers and chilly winters. If you’ve noticed your electricity bills climbing or you’re finding it tough to pay on time, Southcare’s Energy Ahead Program can help.
Delivered in partnership with the Financial Wellbeing Collective, this community energy program WA supports households experiencing financial hardship by providing:
- Free home energy audits and personalised reports
- One-on-one coaching to identify savings opportunities
- Practical strategies to lower your energy use and costs
This Energy Ahead WA program is particularly helpful for Synergy customers who are struggling with overdue bills, energy debt, or inefficient appliances. Support often becomes crucial after unexpected financial changes, like reduced income or increased rent, when managing household costs gets harder.
Aboriginal Family Support, culturally grounded help for local families
Strong families are the heart of strong communities. Since 1982, Southcare has been honoured to walk alongside local Aboriginal families through our Aboriginal Family Support Service.
We work closely with Elders, parents, and individuals to offer culturally safe support services that promote health, wellbeing, and connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Let our caring hands help with:
- Housing and tenancy issues
- Financial hardship and emergency relief
- Family and parenting support
- Advocacy with Government and community agencies
- Social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing
Our support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are especially valuable during times of family stress, housing uncertainty, or when reconnecting with culture and community becomes a priority. We’re here to provide a safe place to talk, seek guidance, and find strength together.
Empowering Perth’s local community together
At Southcare, we understand that life’s challenges don’t come one at a time ,and you don’t have to face them alone. Our Community Support services are designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with dignity, hope, and independence.
Whether it’s financial counselling, emergency relief, access to a Mobile Foodbank, energy bills support, or Aboriginal family services, our caring team is ready to help.
Because at Southcare, we believe that a strong community starts with a helping hand, and we’re here to offer ours.
Call Southcare on (08) 9450 6233