Financial Counselling & Support

A principle operation of The Gathering is the emergency relief program. The emergency relief program is operated in conjunction with the Baptist Bush Church. Emergency relief program outlets are operated at each of the location listed below. From these outlets people may access food parcels and other emergency relief support including, a variety of social services, mentoring, job-ready training, preparation of resumes, basic budgeting, counselling and interagency referrals. From these outlets children’s craft groups and social activities for adults also operate. Activities include darts, pool competitions, or just a chat. Clients accessing these outlets are encouraged to participate in other activities of the Gathering’s sub-groups. The Gathering is also registered a facilitator for those carrying out community work orders.

We run a range of programs and workshops according to current needs and issues. We distribute ‘baby bags’ full of essentials for new parents – this creates an opportunity to check in with young parents and see how they are coping. We also support people in the area of organising and managing finances; including workshops about online banking and shopping, videos about problem gambling. We also run nutrition and cooking workshops on the ground in communities using what is available in that community.