Community Resources

Working with your community

An important part of the family support workers role is to advocate for better services for families.

There are a number of steps that communities can take to help low income families to manage money. The websites outline a few ideas, some of which have been shown to be very effective. However it also encourages you to join with other community and financial organisations to develop local solutions.

NILS - No Interest Loans Schemes

The Barnardos NILS Scheme provides low income earners with access to credit without the burden of interest charges. It provides an alternative form of credit rather than an emergency form of relief.

These loans may be used to buy essential items such as household appliances, health or medical items, a computer, educational courses or motor vehicle repairs or registration. NILS does not provide loans for general living expenses or debt repayment or consolidation.

Repayment plans are tailored to suit individuals circumstances and generally repaid over a 12 month period through fortnightly Centrepay deductions.

The postcode where the applicant lives determines which organisation they can apply through for a NILS loan. Barnardos is now accredited to provide NILS Loans in all the residential postcodes surrounding our Centres in NSW and ACT. The ability to do so relies on the generosity of funders to Barnardos for the NILS program. 

HSBC/Barnardos Financial Literacy programs (for Barnardos Clients only)

Celebration Planner which assists families with saving for Christmas, other celebrations and back to school. It is an education program to develop saving skills. Savings of $400 in the first year and $200 in the second consecutive year are repaid with interest in December and a bonus, currently set at $200.00 for first year and $100.00 for consecutive second year savings is paid in January. This is designed as 12-month savings program plans and can be used for any worthwhile family purpose,as well as help clients establish a credit rating.

Fast Track which helps families in small debt to repay or consolidate and negotiate this debt which reduces financial stress and helps their children’s welfare.

Repayment schedules are tailored to satisfy creditors, reduce interest payments and get families out of debt as effectively as possible, and generally repaid within 12 months.

Some additional assistance with a family's repayments is sometimes made by Barnardos, although a limit applies.