Help with mental stresses resulting from financial issues
Wellbeing Support
Support is Free and Confidential - Call Today
Financial problems are not just figures on paper that need a clever accountant and some time to fix. They can fill you with constant worry and drain your mental reserves as you try to retain some sort of normality in day to day living.
If neglected, the risks of short term worries becoming long term health issues increases. That's why our wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with our financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line.
- Develop strategies to cope with stress
- Recognise signs of poor health in themselves and/or their workers
- Set up a support network within family/friends/community
- Identify groups/activities within the community that can help
- Access health services through referrals and navigate red tape
Helping Farmers and Small Business owners to:
6 Reasons for calling RFCS VicWest
We believe in cultivating strong communities. Call us selfish, but because we live in rural and regional areas ourselves, it's in our best interests to support the people that live here. We know how bad weather, pandemics, or the closure of the local sports club can impact our region as much as we understand the individual challenges that make us stressed and concerned..
6 - Local Connection
Whatever challenges you are facing, getting support and putting strategies in place as soon as possible is crucial. That’s why we arrange a catch-up at the earliest opportunity. Our wait times are days, not weeks, and our first conversation is usually within 24 hours.
5 - Fast Appointments
One thing about Australian farms, they can be a long way from town. When you're feeling down, you might not want to go out in public and meet with somebody in a strange office, so we do the driving and meet you in a place where you feel comfortable. Could be your home, the back paddock, or a walk along the river, it's your call.
4 - We Come to You
Our qualified wellbeing counsellors have been carefully selected for their experience in rural and regional settings. Every one of them has helped clients through personal challenges or the stresses of natural disasters such as flood, bushfires and storm events. They know you want good, solid, practical strategies and they will help you tailor them to your specific circumstances.
1 - Proven Experience
RFCS VicWest is funded by Government but we are not a Govt. department or service. It means we are not compromised by private industry or whoever is in power. We are truly independent.
We are bound by client confidentiality laws, so you don’t have to worry about others finding out about your personal affairs.
2 - Free | Independent | Confidential
If you need support from us to manage your wellbeing, you don't need to see a doctor first. As an existing financial counselling client, you are automatically eligible and we can arrange an appointment with one of our wellbeing team.
For more information see Eligibility below.
3 - No GP Referrals Required
Eligibility
The wellbeing program was introduced as a response to a need amongst our financial counselling clients. For that reason, it is limited to those on the farm or within small business that use our financial counselling services.
What's the criteria?
Meet the Team
Catherine Poussard
Wellbeing Counsellor
Bendigo-Swan Hill
Aleisha Clifford
Wellbeing Counsellor
Maggie Bridgewater
Wellbeing Counsellor
Wimmera
Ann-Marie Byrne
Wellbeing Counsellor
South Coast
All staff undertake Mental Health First Aid.
