Program Manager for Mission Australia’s Canterbury Bankstown Youth Service, Ludmila Klianev, says the service has also been kept busy rehousing youth over rising domestic violence rates.
“Our phones never stop ringing and our crisis accommodation is almost always full,” she said.
“It’s heartbreaking to see so much suffering among our young people.
“The booming need for support is being experienced across the board with all other services.”
Wesley Mission’s services in Canterbury Bankstown are also under pressure.
“Everyday we’re hearing of parents who are going without food so their children can eat,” Wesley Mission CEO Rev Stu Cameron said.
“We’re increasingly hearing from people who have never needed any charitable help before.
“Last year we supported over 30,000 residents in south west Sydney.”
In July, the Morrison Government announced an additional $8.9 million for emergency and food relief to go to Commonwealth-declared ‘hot spots’ in NSW which is giving emergency relief providers like Wesley Mission a greater ability to respond to increased demand.
“However it won’t be long until the top-up funds we received from the Government runs out,” Rev Cameron said.
“Please consider making a donation through our website that will help put food on the table and keep the power on for people who are doing it really tough.”
For more info, visit wesleymission.org.au.
