PEOPLE across the region are being reminded that help is available year-round to address the financial impacts of severe weather.<\/p>\n
Child and Family Services Ballarat, better known as Cafs, is offering free and confidential financial counselling to people in the Central Highlands region.<\/p>\n
With funding from the State Government\u2019s Storm and Flood Recovery Support Program, the organisation\u2019s service doesn\u2019t include a waitlist and community members are encouraged to seek out assistance if they need it.<\/p>\n
Team leader of the financial counselling program at Cafs, Colin Handreck, said people shouldn\u2019t wait until things become unmanageable.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarly action is best, and usually the earlier you seek assistance the more options there are available for you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As well as general advice, Cafs financial counselling services include helping people work out their options if an insurance company won\u2019t cover a claim, access different grants or concessions and manage bills and debts, including financial and paralegal options.<\/p>\n
Specialist support is also available for people who have experienced family violence or gambling harm from themselves or someone else.<\/p>\n