Wesley Mission reveals the hidden human cost of financial stress

04 May 2009

The taboo and shame associated with money problems stops people seeking professional help.

The new Wesley Report shows the impact financial stress has on families, with 43% of respondents experiencing a negative impact in their relationships with family members due to financial stress.

Commenting on the findings of the research, the Reverend Keith Garner expressed his concern as families are increasingly unable to meet their regular household bills. Advice from a qualified counsellor is the very thing that’s needed, yet last year, Wesley Mission was forced to turn away almost 2500 people from its financial counselling service. This winter, we are hoping to raise $400,000 from our appeal to help extend our reach to those in need.

“These people are going deeper and deeper into depression,” said Wesley Creditline financial counsellor, Sumayya Chota.

The winter appeal launched on Tuesday, 28th April and is part of the winter research project, Financial Stress: The hidden human cost. You can get involved by making a donation or joining our online petition, which calls for increased financial literacy in the community, affordable housing and increased funding for financial counselling.

The report will be launched next Thursday, 7th May, by the Reverend Keith Garner, at Wesley Counselling Services in Surry Hills. In attendance at the launch will be Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law.

You can find budgeting tools and watch tips from Wesley financial counsellors on the report web site, which is now live. And spread the word, as we want people to use these resources and face the issue of financial stress: it affects us all.

- Alexandra Muirhead, Marketing Services Officer