Funding for Southcare in South Perth

25/3/96

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced today an agreement had been signed with social services organisation Southcare to provide a Financial Counselling Service in South Perth until mid-1998.

The agreement guaranteed the service $39,941 a year until June 30, 1998.

The Minister said the service would give families and individuals on low incomes who were suffering financial hardship, the means to help them become independent.

"A full-time financial counselling service will help people plan their income in a positive way so they can make sensible decisions," Mrs Edwardes said.

"They will be offered skills, knowledge, education and a variety of options that will help them make the most of their money.

"Having this sort of expertise will help ease stress in their lives because they will be able to make informed financial decisions."

Mrs Edwardes said she believed the agreements marked the start of a good relationship which would benefit the local community.

"This agreement for funding of services will enable the agency to provide programs that meets specific needs of local residents," she said.

Media contact:  Diana Russell Coote 421 7777