Disaster Recovery and Financial Counselling
We welcome colleagues who are working with communities affected by the Victorian floods in October 2022 to our Disaster Recovery and Financial Counselling resources page.
The below resources have been developed to enhance the integration of financial counselling in the disaster recovery space, and increase the accessibility of financial counselling for people seeking assistance following a disaster. More about the program…
Free Interactive Webinar: ‘Navigating the financial impacts of disaster’
FCVic has scheduled a number of interactive webinars for people working with communities affected by the October 2022 floods. This interactive webinar will include an opportunity for Q&A with financial counsellors working in the affected regions. This webinar is suitable for frontline staff, team leaders and program managers.
Please select your preferred date and time below to register:
Tuesday, 31 January – 11.00am-12.00pm: Click here to register
Tuesday, 31 January – 2.00pm-3.00pm: Click here to register
Wednesday, 1 February – 11.00am-12.00pm: Click here to register
Wednesday, 1 February – 2.00pm-3.00pm: Click here to register
Monday, 6 February – 2.00pm-3.00pm: Click here to register
Disaster Recovery and Financial Counselling resources are provided below for your reference, download and use.
A 3-page document that outlines how financial counsellors can help following a disaster, and how to make a referral for someone affected by the October 2022 Floods.
A resource to assist frontline workers to initiate simple and safe conversations to identify if someone has money worries and may benefit from speaking to a financial counsellor.
A short online learning module that introduces the role of financial counselling in disaster recovery, and informs workers about how to identify signs of financial stress and refer to a financial counsellor.
Financial Counselling Flyer
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Translated Flyers
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Financial Counselling for Small Business Owners
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Free programs to help you learn more about managing the household finances – this guide helps you choose a program that best suits your needs and preferred learning style
Hear about how financial counsellors can work with your clients to support them...
If you have any questions about the program or the above resources, please feel free to contact us.
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About the program
Financial counsellors are qualified professionals providing free, confidential and independent support and advocacy to individuals experiencing financial hardship. Their work is person-centred and strengths-based; they listen to the client’s story and help with options that respond to their needs and preferences. By identifying options, the financial counsellor empowers the client to make informed choices and improve their situation.
Financial counsellors are employed by non-profit community organisations and work under credit licence and financial services licence exemptions which permit them to access financial information and negotiate with creditors on the client’s behalf (with their consent). Practical assistance of this kind is of great value in resolving confusion and relieving clients’ stress.
Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) is the peak body for all financial counsellors practising in Victoria.
Funding for the Disaster Recovery Financial Counselling Program is provided by the Victorian Government.