Services on the rise as beds drop

The cold temperatures and rising electricity means that some of the more vulnerable members in the Southern Highlands are struggling through winter.

St Vincent de Paul Society has helped more than 200 people in the Southern Highlands branch during the winter period.

Peter Doris, president of the Southern Highland branch said that there has been a slight increase in need for services in the last six months compared to this time last year.

"The biggest problem in the Highlands is homelessness," he said.

"There are currently no facilities, it's a very big problem. At the moment we have a refuge in Bowral for people 14-18 but that only has 6 beds.

"Despite all these things, we have no beds in the Highlands.

"It's virtually the same everywhere you go. People can call Link 2 Home to find a bed but that can be anywhere in NSW."

During the June to August winter period of 2018, members in the Southern Highlands conference made 193 home visits and supported more than 248 people, 29 of which were experiencing homelessness. More than 40 per-cent of those assisted were new clients.

Last year St Vincent de Paul Southern Highlands branch provided $8450 in government funded EAPA vouchers to assist with the payment of energy bills, as well as providing assistance in securing accommodation, clothing, household items, food vouchers, hampers, medication, transport costs, utility bill payments and other financial assistance to the value of more than $27,000.

Non material assistance and advocacy was also provided.

More than 19 per-cent of those assisted by the Southern Highlands branch were aged 60 plus, while 51 per-cent of people requiring assistance were between 40 - 59 years old.

A spokesperson for St Vincent de Paul said that while data is not yet available for June, members in the Highlands have experience anecdotal increase in demand for support, with a growing need for housing assistance.

According to a report by Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), there has been a shortfall of 29,000 social housing homes across the Southern Highlands.

Vinnies is currently accepting donations to help those in need, with second hand clothing in good condition and warm winter clothes needed, as well as food and blankets.

This year Chevalier College donated a number of items to St Vincent de Paul during their Sacred Day Mass, including food hampers and blankets. Mr Doris said he was very grateful for their generous donations during winter.

Ken Barnett, general manager for Bowral and District Hospital said that as temperatures get colder it is important to plan ahead and dress warmly in layers and to ensure elderly neighbours and loved ones are keeping warm inside their home.

"It is particularly important for elderly people to carry a personal alarm as night time falls are a common cause of hypothermia in the elderly," he said.

"Hypothermia can affect anyone but babies and young children, people over 75 years, those with poor circulation, chronic physical or mental disabilities and those with low body fat, are more susceptible.

"Since June we have had 162 patients presenting to the emergency department with respiratory-related symptoms. No patients have presented with hypothermia this winter."

Those who want to donate are encouraged to donate during shop operating hours to ensure goods aren't damaged by weather. Donated items are either sold to help fund services or passed on to those in need. There are three St Vincent de Paul stores in the Southern Highlands; Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.

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