The Federal Government has announced new reform to the current Disability Support Pensions (DSP) participation requirements. These new reforms will allow an individual on the DSP to work up to 30 hours a week without their pension being suspended or cancelled. This will be double the amount of hours under the current limitations.  This new reform provides the opportunity for individuals to increase their hours of work throughout the week without it affecting many of the benefits of the DSP including the health care card.

The Herald Sun today reported; “The Government estimates it will encourage 4000 more people to start work and about 3900 more to increase their hours…” The minimum of 8 hours a week of work remains for recipients under the age of 35 to receive the DSP.

The ‘extra hours’ reform inevitably acknowledges the growth and the need to work for people who identify has having a disability.  However, the question regarding support and flexibility must now be considered. What further training and education is needed? What support is being offered to the employer?   How flexible is this system?

Sneska Ilikj believes, “It’s not just simply assisting individuals to acquire a job, giving them a uniform and then a check list – they need to be supported so that this process is sustainable and also enjoyable. Employers also need support to do this in an efficient and professional way as without this support the incentives to hire individuals with a disability would be more negative than positive (Disability Advocate- MIDLAS).” 

The MIDLAS Disability Advocacy Service offers assistance to individuals who are seeking to either re-enter or gain additional employment. . If you are seeking more information or assistance, please call us on (08)9250 2123 or leave a message on our website: www.midlas.org.au

A recent report states that debt-related stress is widespread in Australia, particularly for young people between the ages of 25 to 34.

http://australia.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/many-Australians-dealing-with-debt-stress-1276.php

“Debt” can be defined as a state of owing money, and is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of most Australians.  Credit is easily obtainable, which can mean that getting into debt is much easier than getting out.  Whether debt is personal, business-related or as widespread as national debt, the effect on the individual can be phenomenal. The global financial crisis (GFC) had a huge and lasting effect on a large number of Australian people, who lost jobs, homes, superannuation and savings.

The recovery from the GFC was a long process of which many Australians are still suffering from. One lasting effect from the GFC is that we have become more aware of the extreme impacts that debt can have on individuals and families. As a result, many people experience an overwhelming feeling of panic related to being in debt, and yet have not developed the skills to best deal with creditors and financial institutions. Payday lending, characterized by small loans with huge interest rates, is also on the rise. This is a dangerous option for people already in debt, as the relief is temporary whilst the cost is large and prolonged.

An example of the stress related to debt can be drawn from a recent client of our service, who presented to MIDLAS after her husband’s death. She had been left with several debts including credit cards, a St John Ambulance bill and a Telstra debt. She had been experiencing severe anxiety related to her husband’s death and the pressure of having to manage their finances alone. As a result, the client had become emotionally unstable and demonstrated risks of self harm in the weeks before her appointment. A MIDLAS financial counselor worked with this client to obtain a waiver on the ambulance bill, a hardship variation on her credit card and a considerable reduction on the Telstra bill. This client needed the support and advocacy MIDLAS could provide and was able to build her confidence to take control of her financial situation. This is only one example of how debt-related stress was alleviated by talking to a financial counsellor and learning skills and exploring tools and options that are available.

MIDLAS offers Financial Counselling and can assist with the Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme (HUGs) applications to assist in the alleviation of debt-related stress. Financial counseling can provide you with options, information, referral  and advocacy on your behalf to successfully deal with creditors. HUGs appointments can result in a financial contribution that goes towards outstanding utility accounts.

The stress related to being in debt can be overwhelming and can start to impact other areas of your life. Act early. Be empowered. Contact MIDLAS for an appointment on 9250 2123 or leave a message on our website: www.midlas.org.au

For many years the issue of domestic violence has been a silent matter, kept in the dark and left unreported. While media outlets often report on violence throughout W.A, they rarely discuss ‘domestic violence’. As more and more brave victims speak up against their attackers, it becomes the role of the media to portray these criminal acts in a different light.

Over the weekend, Perth media reported on a man who was stabbed following a domestic dispute. Over the past month, readers have skimmed over a handful of similar reports. The questions remains, how can the media speak out against these violent acts, mainly against women and begin to represent the victim’s voice?

Recent figures suggest that 1 in 3 women have experienced domestic violence at some stage in their life and an alarming 5-10% of Australian women in 2010 became victims of violence perpetrated by their partner. The fact remains, if reporting on domestic violence remains in the dark and secret, victims will continue to hurt and never be completely supported.

The Midland Information, Debt & Legal Advocacy Service (MIDLAS) engages victims of domestic violence in a number of ways including court representation, VRO (Violence Restraining Order) application and support. Ben Bullock from MIDLAS believes “that the more domestic violence grows as a public discussion, the more we can do to end it. There is a lot of support for victims of domestic violence available in the community, though because the topic is often overlooked and avoided, individuals can find themselves unsure of who they can talk to and uncertain of where to go for assistance. The result is that incidents of violence are grossly unreported and victims continue to remain in a relationship of abuse.”

If you are experiencing or know someone who is a victim of domestic violence, please contact our Legal service on 9250 2123 or leave us a message on our website www.midlas.org.au

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call the police on 000, alternatively you can contact lifeline on 13 11 14.

A report in the Australian this week discussed the Federal Government’s ‘Social Inclusion Unit’ that was established by the Gillard government in 2007. The vision of the Social Inclusion Unit was to develop  ‘…a socially inclusive society in which all Australians feel valued and have the opportunity to fully participate in the life of our society.’ Like me, you’re probably wondering: What is this unit? Where did it come from? What do they do? And most importantly; how are they actually planning to eradicate social exclusion and foster social inclusion?

In 2010 the unit published a report called  ‘Foundations for a Stronger, Fairer Australia,’ which detailed the extent of social exclusion in Australia. The reporter from the Australian considered whether this unit should continue to exist in its current state, be altered or abolished completely. The question remains; how effective has the Social Inclusion Unit been?

Social isolation and exclusion occurs in almost every facet of Australian life and does not discriminate between race, gender, income, family structure, employment, or sexual preference.  The fear of social exclusion can foster feelings of loneliness, depression, inability to cope, need to keep up appearances and the social demand to appear to have everything under control.

Thinking about your own situation, are you in fear of social exclusion affecting your life?  The spiral of social exclusion can impact on your ability to fully engage in all life has to offer. Do you feel you are at times alienated from society, friends, family, work etc?  Contact MIDLAS on 9250 2123 or leave a message for us at our website: www.midlas.org.au

For many teenagers moving out of home is a passage into adulthood.  It’s a varied experience that can be very positive but can also at times be  very negative.   The circumstances under which someone moves out of home often determines the space they will move into.  For example, a young person experiencing secondary homelessness and or poverty will have a different experience to a teenager moving out of home under his/her own prerogative with the support of their parents.

 
MIDLAS is wanting to know what your experience of moving out of home has been.  At what age did you decided to move out? Were you forced out of your parents home?  Did you have a choice in the matter? Did you eventually move back home? …

 
Over the next few months, MDLAS will be conducting several interviews and producing a small documentary on the reality of moving out of home.  Our goal is to present a realistic view on the costs, issues, and what is exactly needed to move out of home.

 
If you would like to have input into this discussion please contact Craig on 9250 2123 or via our website: www.midlas.org.au  We can also be contacted though our Facebook www.facebook.com/MIDLASinc or Twitter  www.twitter.com/#!/MIDLAS1 pages.

MIDLAS staff

Well it’s that t ime of year again, when shopping centres are splitting at the seams, uncle John is preparing his infamous prawn dish, and Dad has been ordered several times by his wife to mow the lawn before the family comes around.  Yes it’s Christmas and just around the corner New Years.

It has been an incredibly exciting year at MIDLAS this year and now is as good as any time to share with you exactly how our year has panned out.  Like any good sermon, lecture, debrief or examination, here are my 3 moments of greatness/excitement experienced at MIDLAS this year.

1. We moved premises!!!  This may not seem very exciting to you; but for our team it has meant all our services and staff could live under the one roof.  The holistic services that we offer can now be accessed by our clients at the same time and location.  It has also meant that our different departments can continue to work cohesively together as one unit to fulfill our mission of empowering disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our community.

2. The Social Media bandwagon!!! If you are reading this , then you may well know that Social Media, with all it’s flaws is not simply a craze that will pass away as quickly as the yo-yo!!  MIDLAS has jumped into engaging with Social Media this year for the first time with incredible success.  We are engaging with clients, staff, networks, funding bodies and the wider community; by providing relevant and up to date content that is freely and easily accessible.

We have been really excited by the progress we have made and look forward to venturing deeper into the Social Media world next year.  Watch this space for MIDLAS’ new videos on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/MIDLASmedia

3. Our awesome new staff & Volunteers!!  We have been very fortunate this year to welcome new staff to the MIDLAS team. A big thankyou to these new staff who have brought their personalities, experience and passions to the team: Kalem, Sneska, Jessica, and Astrid.

A special mention must be made of the incredible volunteers that have so graciously provided their time to MIDLAS throughout the year to assist us in providing our free service to the North East of Perth.  We are so very thankful and in gratitude to our numerous volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time at MIDLAS please leave us a message on our website contact page: www.midlas.org.au/contacts

Please note that the MIDLAS offices will be unattended from Midday Friday, 23rd of Dec through to the 3rd of Jan 2012.  If you are in need of immediate assistance please use the following phone numbers: Police 131 444 or Lifeline 13 11 44.  You can also leave us a message on Facebook or twitter and we will respond in the new year: http://www.facebook.com/MIDLASinc or @MIDLAS1.

Best wishes

Craig

increased cost of living

According to recent figures, West Australian low income earners are $12 a week worse of compared to a year ago.  A report released by WACOSS today shows that low income families are struggling to keep with the ever rising costs of living.

The report identified that families on low income would more likely have to be making the hard choices between essentials such as rent, utilities and food and may be forced to forego social and recreational activities. Follow this link for details of the report: http://bit.ly/vEVxfq

The Christmas period is a difficult time for struggling families as presents need to be brought, hams need to be purchased, children need to be kept busy over the summer, etc…  It is alarming how quickly a happy holiday can turn into a time of turmoil for so many families.

Recent figures show that more and more families are seeking support, emergency relief and assistance as the effort to simply keep food on the table becomes somewhat increasingly complicated.

Chrissy Wadley Case Manager from MIDLAS believes; “with rent prices being so high and out of reach, the choice to pay your weekly rent or provide food on the table becomes ever increasingly real for a large proportion of families we see at MIDLAS.  Sometimes the amount spent on rent compared to a mortgage is negligible,”

If you are needing assistance this time of year, please contact MIDLAS on 9250 2123 or visit our website: www.midlas.org.au to make an appointment.

summer money

Last week as the reserve bank reduced interest rates by 0.25% for the second consecutive month, the ramifications for the Australian household became real.

Some Australian bank lenders have passed on the rate cut whilst other have not. However, for many Australian families post the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) who fixed their mortgages in fear of future rate rises will bring about no relief through this announcement.

Whilst this rate cut will save an average of $50/month for homeowners who are eligible, many banks only passed on part of the cut.

Craig McAllister, Projects Manager for MIDLAS believes; “as Christmas approaches; mortgage repayments, increased cost of living, presents to buy, turkeys, to be basted and school holidays become a harsh reality. Many families, low and middle income earners feel the strain throughout the summer break.”

If you are facing difficulties this summer, please contact MIDLAS to make an appointment with a financial counselor on 9250 2123. Or visit our website: www.midlas.org.au

Keely and Hanwen MIDLAS Volunteers

Today MIDLAS celebrates the incredible role that volunteers play in our organisation. We are privileged to have many students and community members give up their valuable time to support the work MIDLAS does.

“Today is a day to celebrate the amazing contribution of the untapped resources that our incredible volunteers provide.  MIDLAS wishes to thank; Brian, Keeley, Hanwen,  Ilaria, Hague, Bella and Analisa for their generosity, patience and willingness to empower the disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community (Julia Burch Executive Officer MIDLAS).”

Today as we reflect on the valuable contribution volunteers make to our communities we encourage you to become involved in what ever shape or form you are able to.

International Volunteer Day IVD was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. IVD is now celebrated worldwide with thousands of volunteers involved in a range of IVD initiatives including clean-up campaigns, conferences, exhibitions, morning teas and many other activities all aimed to highlight the role of volunteers in their communities.  If you would life to find out more information on how you can become involved in IVD, please visit the following website: http://bit.ly/t8tTr1

If you are searching for an opportunity to volunteer, please contact our team by clicking on any of the links below.

www.midlas.org.au/contacts

www.facebook.com/MIDLASinc

www.twitter.com/#!/MIDLAS1

Or give us a call on: (08)9250 2123

MIDLAS disability service

This week begins Disability Awareness Week from November 28th through December 3rd.  State wide events will be running this week to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities and to raise awareness about people with disabilities; their families and carers.  The most important  part of this week is to raise awareness and promote a positive image of people with disabilities as valuable members of our community.

“The week raises the profile of the achievements of people with disability and also highlights the challenges they and their families and carers sometimes face. Disability Awareness Week will culminate in the Count Me In Awards, on International Day of People with Disability, which celebrates the contribution many West Australians make towards a better life for people with disability and their families. More than 160 community groups and organisations are participating in the week, spreading the word that everyone wants – and needs – to be counted in (Disability Services Minister Simon O’Brien).”

Almost 4 million Australians have a disability; that’s 1 in 5 people.  2.2 million Australians of working age (15-64) have a disability.  The alarming statistic is that of those 20% of Australians with a disability, 88% are not visible.  The theme ofr Disability awareness week is ‘Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.’ (www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au)

MIDLAS believes strongly in the rights of a person with a disability in every facet if their lives.  We are committed to empowering every person to enrich and better their life in whatever way we are able to.  If you are a person with a disability and feel your rights are being neglected or are being taken advantage of, please call our office to make an appointment on (08)9250 2123 or visit our website www.midlas.org.au

For more info about disability awareness week please visit the following sites:
http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/disability_awareness_week.html
http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/eventscalendar/daw11_coe.html