By Renee Wood
Heading into Christmas is a joyous time but for many families it can also bring financial stress.
The festive season is also aligned with rising cost of living across mortgages, bills, petrol and more.
Community Information Support Yarra Ranges (CIS Yarra Ranges) based in Lilydale is wanting to alert the community to how they can help people in times of need.
“Everything’s getting more expensive – rent increases, food and groceries are getting more expensive and we have more costs going into Christmas,” Branch Manager Christine Falzon said.
CIS Yarra Ranges was previously known as Lilydale Assist which has been based in the region for 40 years.
The support service provides great free information, advocacy and referral services to help with challenges people are facing.
Housing instability, high utility bills, school costs are all areas the service can work with clients on.
Throughout 2021-2022, the demand grew seeing 1292 support visits during the year and a 29 per cent increase in new clients.
The top reasons for seeking assistance include material aid such as food and clothing, housing expenses, high utility and phone expenses.
They also work with other organisations such as emergency relief centres, Mustard Tree, job and training advocates.
Anyone in need of support can contact CIS Yarra Ranges to arrange a meeting.
“We will conduct an interview to see where they’re at, we will ask some questions and see how we can support them in the best way, so there are many things,” Ms Falzon said.
“Our goal is always to give the clients that much support that they don’t need to come back again, because we advocate for them we really try to help to get them out of the situation they’re in and find their feet again.”
The service also has special Christmas opportunities such as Santa photos, toy drives and food hampers.
Many volunteers support CIS Yarra Ranges through the office and also the op shop, but more are always welcome to join.
Anyone also interested in donating to support CIS Yarra ranges can do so through funds or material aid.
The donor can choose where their donation would go across areas such as education, homeless support, Christmas celebrations, medical, supporting families in need, food vouchers etc.
Certificates of appreciation and tax donation receipt will be provided.
For more information contact 03 9735 1311 or visit 214 Main Street, Lilydale.
