Anglicare News
NILS needs volunteers
Jean's testimonial
‘I was left with absolutely nothing but a suitcase full of clothes and care of my teenage daughter. I was residing in a women’s shelter.
My husband had a bad gambling problem. He gambled away years of battling virtually in two years.’
'Jean' is one of many Tasmanians who have now received support via the NILS Network of Tasmania.
Anglicare in Launceston is seeking a volunteer for one afternoon a week to assist clients in applying to the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS).
Large numbers of Tasmanians live on incomes which barely cover the cost of the essentials of life and significantly restrict their ability to access resources and services within the community.
Access to credit for these Tasmanians, as a means for purchasing goods essential to a basic standard of living, is critical to overcoming the disadvantage and isolation of poverty. Many people living on low incomes face a major problem if they have to buy an essential household item like a fridge or a washing machine, but don’t have savings and can’t access affordable credit.
Anglicare Tasmania supports the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) to assist with this problem. Loans for up to $1 000 can be made to people on low incomes for good quality fridges, washing machines and other essential household appliances and medical appliances. The loans are repaid over a twelve to eighteen month period. The money is then ‘reused’ and lent out again to other people in the community.
There are no fees, interest or other costs charged to loan recipients throughout the life of their loan.
NILS volunteer Interview Officers help loan applicants to fill out application forms and make sure they have the right documentation. Volunteer Interview Officers need to have an understanding of issues with client confidentiality, effective verbal communication skills and numeracy skills to a level which assists clients to fill out budget forms.
The next training session will be conducted during April.
If have one spare afternoon a week and you are interested in taking up this special ministry please call the Launceston office of Anglicare on 6333 3000.
To make a donation to Anglicare Free Call 1800 243 232 or click here.