Resources
Women and Money interactive DVD and printed facilitator's guide 2010
Financial capability is more important than ever. There are many high-quality financial education materials available but research has revealed that we still lack effective ways of engaging with people in the community about money issues before a crisis hits.
Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service produced this DVD as a resource for small group discussions and community education to encourage conversations about ‘money secrets', especially for women living on low incomes. The DVD was based on research documented in ‘Money, Dignity and Inclusion: The role of financial capability' (2008) and funded by the Victorian Consumer Credit Fund.
The DVD presents real-life scenarios of financial crises developed and acted by a group of women using a community theatre process. The stories include tenancy issues, family money arguments, unexpected expenses and impacts of financial stress on children and young people. The essential message is that changes in life circumstances bring the need for new financial information.
The three short (4-5 minute) plays can be viewed straight through or scene-by-scene with discussion questions and links to resources. The links to further information and resources are Victoria-based but are broadly relevant and can be adapted locally. A 4-minute ‘Behind the scenes' segment gives background to the making of the DVD and the women involved. The booklet provides tips on how to use the DVD and facilitate discussion.
Women and Money Multilingual version
We also produced a multilingual version of the Women and Money DVD. This is available in Arabic, Sudanese Arabic, Burmese CHIN, Burmese KAREN, Dari (Persian), Cantonese and Vietnamese.
Both versions of the DVD can be ordered by calling 03 9418 3000 or emailing multi.dvd@goodshepvic.org.au
Jacinta Waugh from our Social Policy and Research Unit was interviewed about the DVD on 3CR. Listen to the interview here.
Please note: due to privacy considerations, we are unable to have the DVD itself accessible online. To acquire either version of the DVD, please use the email address below.
Mental Illness and Debt: A Resource for Mental Health Workers Sept 2010 (PDF 3.22 MB)
This resource kit explores the association between mental health and financial hardship with a view to advising community service workers and workers in primary health services on how to intervene successfully on behalf of individuals living with mental illness who are in financial difficulty.
Mental Illness and Debt: A Resource for Financial Counsellors Sept 2010 (PDF 3.33 MB)
This resource also outlines the complex relationship between mental illness and poverty, and provides some advice for financial counsellors on how best to support people struggling with debt as well as mental health issues.
Education Costs Kit: A Resource for Community Agencies 2009 (PDF 354.3 KB)
This Kit contains information about:
- parent payments in state schools
- help with school costs: concession and programs
- agency process and ideas for helping with school costs
- reducing school costs
- checklist for parents
Parent information about education costs is also available in the following languages:
Stretching the Dollar - 2006 (PDF 634.1 KB)
Our resource booklet provides a range of financial management strategies for people to use before they get into financial difficulties. It also provides information on what services and schemes are available when difficulties do crop up.