Social Services

An experienced and qualified social worker is available Mondays to Thursdays to advocate, mediate, counsel, provide information and refer clients to other services such as financial counselling. We also offer material assistance, such as food parcels and food vouchers to those in need on production of a Centrelink benefit card.

As an advocate, our social worker will support clients by acting on their behalf when dealing with such organisations and agencies such as Centrelink, as well as the criminal justice and legal institutions. The aim is to make clear the views and wishes of the client and obtain independent advice and accurate information. Our social worker will also, if required, help to resolve conflict situations through mediation and negotiation.

Many of our clients are not clear about their rights as citizens and have difficulty in fully understanding these rights. They do not always find it easy to speak up for themselves, particularly when dealing with government agencies. Advocacy can enable our clients to take more responsibility and control for the decisions which affect their lives and thus lessen their dependency on other people and agencies.