The partnership between FCVic and Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV), the Integrated Services Project (ISP), aims to improve client outcomes through financial counsellors and social security lawyers working together more effectively. Dermott Williams has previously completed important work concerning access to the Disability Support Pension. She, along with the rest of legal team at SSRV, continues to support this and the range of other services.

Regional Networks & CPD

Recently we have enjoyed attending the Western Regional Network meeting and will be joining the Western Metro meeting next week, with other groups lined up. Please look out for CPD sessions lined up for the remainder of the year through FCVic, and do contact us directly for any specific areas of interest. Please contact Graeme Parsons on [email protected], or through Georgia Robenstone at FCVic: [email protected].

Outreach

We enjoyed a trip last week, at the invitation of the Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service, to the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre. Great to meet up with local community groups and members of the public at the Debt Help Expo. We are interested in attending future events, especially in person. Thanks too to the Narelle Clark and the rest of the financial counselling team at Child & Family Services, Ballarat team (CAFS) who made us feel very welcome in showing us some of the work they do across their integrated community model.

Keep in touch

SSRV is now producing a regular newsletter. If you aren’t receiving it already, you can subscribe by sending us a request with your name and preferred email address to [email protected].

If you have any requests for CPD sessions, you can contact us on [email protected].

Advice lines

Financial counsellors are invited to call the SSRV Worker Help Line on 03 9481 0655 (0429 450 346 during remote servicing) for information and support in assisting clients with Centrelink matters and to make referrals to SSRV. The Worker Help Line operates 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday. We also accept referrals by email to [email protected].

Individuals can be referred to the SSRV Legal Assistance Line on 03 9481 0355 (0419 793 652 during remote servicing), which operates 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.