Christians Against Poverty is calling on the Christian community to consider becoming money mentors to meet growing demand.
With continued interest rate rises and the skyrocketing cost of living, more than 1 in 4 Australians are being pushed into financial distress and CAP says they need thousands of church-based money mentors to meet the growing demand for their services.
CAP trains volunteers to walk alongside people experiencing financial distress giving them the tools and support they need to see beyond their current financial challenges.
CEO of CAP, Rosie Kendall says, “We are working hard now to ensure that no Australian suffers financial distress, and we’ll need a lot of help to do that, especially in the current economic climate. The fact that so many Australians are living in financial distress just shows that we’re all vulnerable to it, especially in times of uncertainty”.
CAP has been piloting the money mentor approach for sometime in response to new research suggesting that there are many factors to financial distress, not just rising debts or a lack of money.
“Helping families and individuals find financial wellbeing is our goal, and this includes so much more than just money. Connecting those struggling with mentors recognises that financial wellness can be just as much about the support structures that exist around an individual and that they have someone to talk to,” said Rosie.
Recognising that financial stress isn’t just about the dollars and cents, CAP has released a free Financial Wellbeing Scale to help people improve their understanding and measurement of all the different elements that make up their financial wellbeing.
The scale asks general questions about the individuals financial experiences, past and present, and how their finances make them feel. Based on their responses, they receive a Financial Wellbeing Score between 1 and 100 (from low to high financial wellbeing).
Over the coming months, to meet the growing demand for their services, CAP is scaling up their money mentor program to support the growing number of Australian’s who need help with their money and are looking for thousands of church-based staff and volunteers to be trained to start conversations so they can provide direction to those feeling hopeless in their financial situations.
Zoe has been volunteering as a money mentor with CAP for 12 months and says she’s seen many lives turned around in this time.
“The relationship we have with those who are struggling and the tools we provide for them is all that is needed to see somebody really step forward to take control of an area that feels out of control. It’s a real privilege to walk with someone in an area that’s really vulnerable for them”, Zoe said.
For over 20 years, CAP has partnered with the local church to transform Aussie lives.
“I am passionate about seeing the Church be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around them,” says Zoe. “I feel very called to encourage the local church to engage with its wider community and bring a tangible experience of their faith to those around them.”
“If you have a passion for people and the church reaching outside the four walls, I’d really encourage you to consider becoming a money mentor,” Zoe said.
For more information on CAP, including how to donate your time and become a money mentor visit: https://capaust.org
For more information including interviews and images, please contact Georgina Bible: E: georgina@jerseyroadpr.com
What is the Financial Wellbeing Scale?
The Financial Wellbeing Scale is the result of collaboration the Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research at The University of Melbourne and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The organisations have made the scale available to improve understanding and measurement of financial wellbeing.