Salvation Army research “paints a bleak picture”
Red Shield Appeal Ambassador, Stan Walker, sings with The Salvation Army’s Glebe Choir at the launch of The Salvation Army’s Economic and Social Impact Survey. (Photo: Shairon Paterson)
The Salvation Army has released our biggest ever survey of those it assists in the lead up to the annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock. The extensive report “paints a bleak picture of everyday life for many people in our communities.”
The research was revealed at several launches throughout the country on Wednesday 22nd May. In Sydney, Red Shield Ambassador, singer Stan Walker, opened the event by singing his single Take it easy with The Salvation Army’s Glebe Choir.
Journalist, author and former Big Brother host, Gretel Killeen, MC’d the launch and introduced the research by quoting some of the Salvation Army clients who took part:
“It’s been impossible to find a job – not through lack of trying. Never in my life have I had such a hard time.”
“Gone without meals? Only myself, not my kids.”
2013 is the second year The Salvation Army has conducted its Economic and Social Impact Survey, this year surveying 2,700 clients at its emergency relief and community support services across Australia.
The results show that there has been a 12% rise in the number of people coming to The Salvation Army who are receiving Newstart. The Salvation Army highlighted its strong concerns about the changes to parenting payments and the ongoing inadequacy of the Newstart payment, “People aren’t surviving on Newstart and this, in turn, is impacting children,” said Major Bruce Harmer.
He said he’s alarmed at the findings which highlight the extensive impact poverty is having on large numbers of Australian children. It is now estimated that one in six children in Australia live at or below the poverty line.
“The research provides clear evidence that many families with children are experiencing severe disadvantage. Many live in inadequate living conditions… It highlights there is just so much to be done to help the mums and dads and individuals who come to our door and are being left behind.”
The report says many children are missing out on out of school activities, annual dental check ups and new or up to date school books/uniforms. 28 percent of respondents said they didn’t have a decent or secure home.
A video outlining the results of the research can be viewed here:
The Salvation Army has released the survey in the lead up to its annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock on the 25th and 26th May.
Major Bruce Harmer said, “Every donation makes a difference. We do ask people to dig deep, because there is such a big job to do. Our services are being stretched to the absolute maximum.”
At the end of the launch, Stan Walker spoke of his support for The Salvation Army and sang an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace.
Volunteers are still needed for the doorknock weekend! To sign up, head to: salvos.org.au/doorknock
To donate to The Red Shield Appeal or to volunteer for the Doorknock, just call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or visit salvos.org.au. You can also donate to the Appeal at any Westpac branch or post a cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.
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