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| Growing demand for community services must be addressed in NSW State Budget |
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12 June 2009 Demand for community services is outstripping the capacity of non government community service organisations to provide support and assistance according to the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS). The results of the Australian Community Sector Survey 2009 showed that in 2007-08 NSW agencies provided services to 23.2% more people than the previous 12 months. Disturbingly, however, despite an increase in funding, staff and volunteers there was also a 50% increase in the number of people turned away. NCOSS Director, Alison Peters said, "The survey shows that the most vulnerable people in our communities increasingly can’t get the services and support they need to be able to live normal lives. NCOSS is concerned that this survey reflects the situation before the global economic situation worsened and we know that there are now a growing number of people seeking support from these vital community services". The non government community service sector provides vitally important services to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of our community. Services include long term housing, mental health, drug and alcohol, women's health, crisis and supported accommodation, family support, income support, disability services, support for older people, transport, legal, domestic and family violence as well as employment, education and training programs. "Community services are particularly important when the economic situation is tough as they help people deal with difficult circumstances. These services provide vital social infrastructure that is every bit as important as the physical infrastructure of schools, railways and roads that governments are rightly investing in" Ms Peters said. "Community Services deserve the same level of investment in the NSW State Budget so that these organisations can meet the growing demands placed upon them". Ms Peters said "NCOSS has been calling on the NSW Government to invest in social infrastructure in this Budget so that the most vulnerable have a better chance of not falling further into extreme hardship and disadvantage. It's time to invest in services that support people who are really doing it tough and that is what we will be looking for in next Tuesday’s Budget." NCOSS will be available for comment after the Budget is released.
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