In a cost of living crisis, the pressure is on the Salvation Army Christchurch Ministry Hub which now provides budgeting services in Mid Canterbury.
Until the end of June, budgeting services were provided by the Ashburton Budget Advisory Service. It had 2.5 staff and a team of trained volunteers, as well as managing one part-timer covering Selwyn.
In comparison, the contract with the Salvation Army for services in Mid Canterbury covers for one staff member based in the district.
Mentor Catherine Harris started the last week of September, operating from the Salvation Army church on the corner of Cass and Cameron Sts.
Harris said as one of seven in the Christchurch Ministry Hub team, she had the help and support of the fellow team members when it was required in Mid Canterbury.
In addition, as the provision of budgeting services moved to the new provider, hub staff had worked to support some of the former clients of the Ashburton Budget Advisory Service.
She said six people engaged with the service in her first three days.
‘‘The main things we will be providing is assisting people to prepare and keep to a budget but there will be other services provided such as helping people access their KiwiSaver and fill in forms,’’ Harris said.
Harris said she knew only too well what it was like to have to reach out for budgeting advice, having previously done it herself.
‘‘I felt like I had failed when I had to reach out for budgeting help. But I didn’t need to feel like this. Budgeting helps people get to where they want to go,’’ Harris said.
The service is free and open to anyone. People can self refer and agencies can refer clients by phoning, emailing or calling in to the church. Appointment times will be between 9am to 4.30pm, weekdays.
‘‘I aim to see people as quickly as possible because the longer they have to wait for an appointment, the risk increases of them getting further into debt,’’ Harris said.
‘‘I’m hoping we can reach people before they are really in debt, and it’s over their heads,’’ Harris said.
- Salvation Army Budget Advice service is a free service open to anyone. Referrals can be made through email [email protected], phoning 021 624 116 during business hours or calling into the church corner of Cass and Cameron Sts 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays.
