Specialist Financial Counselling services will be delivered to female-identifying clients impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV) in the Barossa and Adelaide Hills regions, thanks to a new partnership with The Zahra Foundation.
Through the partnership, one of the foundation’s Financial Counsellors will now visit the Barossa Valley one day a fortnight to help local clients affected by DFV become more economically empowered. Appointments are now available, and interested people are encouraged to get in touch. The service will be replicated for Adelaide Hills clients in early 2025.
The visiting Financial Counsellor has more than 10 years’ experience and specialises in supporting clients in the DFV space who identify as female. The Financial Counsellor will be working closely with Lutheran Care’s local Financial Wellbeing team and wider program staff, to provide holistic support.
Lutheran Care Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade said, “Financial independence can be a critical step in breaking the cycle of abuse, and by combining expertise with The Zahra Foundation, we can empower survivors to regain control of their lives”.
“Concerns around how one’s financial situation will be impacted when escaping abuse, are reasons why someone may stay in an unsafe situation,” he said.
“Whether you are thinking about leaving your situation or have left, we welcome you to come in and meet with this Financial Counsellor, who will tailor sessions around your unique needs, financial situation, financial capability, and areas you need support in.
“Support may include help to grow capability and confidence around managing your own finances for the first time or first time in a long time, advice around living off a reduced solo income and affording additional accommodation, and assistance with accessing any benefits they may be eligible for.
“We are committed to working with The Zahra Foundation to help increase awareness of what financial abuse is, and support people being impacted to explore their options.
“Together, we’re fostering hope and creating pathways to safety, stability, and dignity.”
Together, Lutheran Care and The Zahra Foundation are looking at the potential of scheduling more community information sessions in future.
The Zahra Foundation is a not-for-profit that supports women impacted by domestic abuse, providing free programs, services, education, and grants promoting economic well-being and empowering participants to rebuild their life.
The foundation is named in honour of Zahra, a brave woman and mother who left her abusive and controlling marriage, however had cut short by her husband at Adelaide Convention Centre.
To book an appointment with The Zahra Foundation’s Financial Counsellor in the Barossa Valley or find out more, phone Lutheran Care’s Tanunda office on (08) 8562 2688, or the Financial Counselling intake line (and leave a message) – 7070 6717; or send an email to financialcounsellors@lutherancare.org.au
Appointments are confidential and discussions will be tailored to the client’s needs. Sessions usually run for around one to 1.5 hours.
The Zahra Foundation website has some excellent resources and information around financial abuse, which you can access here: https://zahrafoundation.org.au/what-is-financial-abuse
For more information about Lutheran Care’s Financial Wellbeing services, visit: lutherancare.org.au/financial-counselling/