Making a difference, heading into the new school year

The generosity shown to us by the Tasmanian community last Christmas is flowing through to families facing their next challenge: preparing their children for the new school year.

Last year, donations to Anglicare’s Christmas Appeal put food on festive tables and gave parents the opportunity to choose a gift so their children had something under the tree on Christmas morning.

“Our parish and school partners along with individuals and some small businesses were incredibly generous last year with financial donations, essential and festive grocery items, toiletries and toys,” said Anglicare’s Parish Community Development Worker, Margaret Savage.

“They really pulled out all the stops, and families have been overwhelmed with relief and gratitude.  Together, we’ve been able to make a real difference to families and individuals in need.

“One parent cried when her worker told her there was assistance on the way,” Margaret said.

“A family living on the West Coast was thrilled to receive mountain bikes for their children.

“There was another family with six children; their worker told me how important it was for everyone’s mental health to have some pressure taken off the tight family budget.

“And one mum faced the stress of moving out of a rental property over Christmas. The costs associated with having the carpets cleaned, moving furniture and coming up with a bond for the new property couldn’t have come at a more challenging time and we were able to support her with those,” said Margaret.

Overall, Anglicare workers distributed more than 1,000 bags of items (including over 700 food hampers) that eased cost of living pressures and spread Christmas cheer for people engaged with our community services and housing programs. This included pantry re-stocking at supported accommodation facilities around the state as well as the provision of essential toiletries via Share the Dignity.

Making back-to-school affordable

A survey by Compare The Market showed that Australian families spend an average of $767 on back-to-school expenses, and 58 per cent put these costs on credit cards or used personal loans or buy-now-pay later schemes.

Anglicare set aside a significant portion of the funds it received through the ABC Giving Tree Appeal to assist families cover these expenses.

“The start of a new school year is a busy, exciting and potentially stressful time for children, and a smooth start boosts their confidence and improves their learning outcomes,” said Margaret.

“We have provided school snack hampers and vouchers for families to purchase school items like lunchboxes, drink bottles and backpacks. We hope this sets the children up for the year and reduces financial pressures on parents.

“Our frontline workers regularly tell us that footwear is the most expensive item that needs to be purchased. That’s why this year we’re very excited to start a partnership with Intersport that helps us to provide good quality sports shoes for children whose families are engaged with our services right across the state.”

The Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations offers these tips for making your budget stretch further:

• Check Facebook Marketplace or your school’s uniform shop for second hand items
• Apply for assistance for uniform purchases through the School Uniform Exceptional Assistance Scheme
• Speak with your school office about borrowing or accessing a school-provided device
• Ask your school office about setting up a payment plan for levies and your eligibility for the Student Assistance Scheme.

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Do you need some support with budgeting?

Anglicare’s financial counselling service can help you to develop a budget that is tailored to your specific circumstances. Our service is friendly – and free! The best way to contact us is via the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Find out more about our financial counselling service here.

This article from the ABC includes money-saving tips.

Are you in a position to donate to us?

You can donate to Anglicare at any time of the year and know that your contribution is helping Tasmanians in need. Check our web page to find out more.