Carers Victoria has become the latest fully accredited provider of Good Shepherd Microfinance’s award-winning No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). Minister for Families and Children, the Honourable Jenny Mikakos, formally launched the program at an event at Carers Victoria’s offices in Footscray recently.
‘Every day almost 800,000 carers in Victoria provide unpaid support to a family member or friend who needs assistance,’ she said. ‘This new program will increase access to safe, fair and affordable credit – especially for carers in Victoria who may be experiencing financial hardship.’
Caroline Mulcahy, CEO of Carers Victoria, acknowledged the huge positive difference small loans will make to the lives of carers. ‘Caring can often lead to financial disadvantage due to preventing carers from accessing paid employment. Carers Victoria is delighted to be joining Good Shepherd Microfinance to further support carers through challenging situations,’ she said.
Carers Victoria’s inaugural NILS client, expectant mother Kirsten, shared how she’s been able to repair her car and buy a washing machine. ‘Caring for my Grandma with a baby due in eight weeks has been hard – it’s stretched me thin. I’m spending a lot of time driving between her house and mine,’ said Kirsten. ‘With no family to help out – I’m grateful I could turn to Carers Victoria. Getting a no interest loan has been the boost I needed to get me through.’
See Carers Victoria website www.carersvictoria.org.au/ Ph: (03) 9396 9500 Carer Advisory Line: 1800 242 636
(from Alfred Health Carer Services Friday Extra 27 March 2015)