Casey grapples with crisis hotline

By Bridget Brady
CREATING a hotline for people struggling to make ends meet may be considered for Casey.
The idea of having a number for people to call was debated at the most recent council meeting.
Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford said a hotline with one fixed phone number would simplify Casey’s support service system.
“I suggest a hotline for people who don’t know where to go and who to call,” Cr Wreford said.
“On any given day, some support services have more to give than others. This could act as a referral service and help point people in the right direction. We will find in the next few years that we will have people suffering.”
Cr Wreford said one central number would be an excellent resource for gathering statistics about who needs help, and what types of calls were received.
River Gum Ward councillor Lynette Keleher said many people were under duress and did not know who to call. “One simple point of call is what we need,” Cr Keleher said.
But the idea of a central number for people in crisis did not appeal to all civic leaders.
Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford said providing another number may “add burden” to some people. “This is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. I can’t support this,” Cr Bradford said.
He said that at some services, there was a waiting time of a few weeks to see financial counsellors.
“If there are bills on the doorstep that need to be paid, people need the help right there and then, not six weeks later,” Cr Bradford said.
“Providing more financial counsellors and lightening the load of existing ones would be a far better service than to provide them with another number to call.”
Susan Magee, from Casey North Community Information and Support Service, said there was a shortage of financial counsellors in the area.
A hotline with one number to call may add complexity to the system, rather than simplifying it, Edrington Ward councillor Daniel Mulino said.
Mayor Geoff Ablett said council needed to raise money to better support current services. “We could have hordes of people ringing this number, but is it going to be equipped?” Cr Ablett said.
A report will be made to council outlining the possibility of a financial crisis hotline.