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Helping out a mate

2 February 2015
Helping out a mate

Rural communities throughout Australia are doing it tough as they deal with financial, emotional and mental strain brought on by drought and other natural disasters. 

The need for immediate assistance in managing depression and financial problems is ever-increasing, exacerbated by isolation and the reluctance of many to seek help. 

“People in crisis in rural areas deserve to know that they are not alone, that The Salvation Army is aware of their situation and will be there for the long haul,” says Sue Bell, The Salvation Army’s rural appeal coordinator. 

To help The Salvation Army in providing assistance, the Salvos Rural Appeal will be launched this month. Australian producers and people living and working in rural communities will be invited to help drought-affected people by donating funds or the proceeds of the sale of livestock and other commodities. They will be able to donate online, at saleyards, abattoirs and a range of other agri-businesses, as well as by phone and mail. 

“Funds raised through this initiative will enable The Salvation Army to grow its much-needed support services for regional communities,” says Sue. 

“This appeal provides a unique opportunity for The Salvation Army to engage with the rural sector in a meaningful and respectful way. It enables people living and working in country areas to invest in long-term practical, emotional and social support through The Salvation Army’s rural support services. 

“The appeal demonstrates that these communities have not been forgotten and aims to build up The Salvation Army’s rural support services to ensure it will be with them for the long haul.” 

The Salvation Army’s rural support service provides a network of rural chaplains (nine nationwide), rural and regional centres and Outback flying services in Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

Salvation Army and its rural chaplains and rely on their local knowledge and networks to provide vital support such as: • drought, flood and other natural-disaster relief assistance in the form of financial grants and food; • practical, spiritual, emotional and social support to individuals, families and communities; 

  • crisis support for individuals and families including accommodation;
  • referral to a broad range of social services and other support networks;
  • referral to other chaplaincy services such as court, prison and hospital chaplains;
  • links to government and rural-sector peak bodies;
  • policy analysis, development and advocacy relating to rural services;
  • assistance with community development and capacity-building in rural and remote areas. 

“Our main task right now is getting information to rural community members about how they can help, and how they can get help,” says Sue. 

“They may not be ready now, but we want to encourage them to keep it in mind for when times are good. But there are certainly farmers and others who are doing okay, where rains have come, and the idea is that they can help those who are being hurt by the current drought or other circumstances. 

“We also want to encourage those who need assistance to contact the Salvo Care Line [see contact number below].” 

Ultimately, the Salvos Rural Appeal is about helping a friend in need. “You will be investing in the rural community and helping out a mate by ensuring that the Salvos are always there to provide help for those who need it most,” says Sue. 

For more information about the Salvos Rural Appeal, go to: salvos.org.au/rural 

To speak to someone at Salvo Care Line, call 1300 36 36 22 

Julia Hosking

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.