Helping hand for homeless
Queensland Media Release
Friday, 30 July 2010
During Homeless Persons’ Week (August 2 to 8), Medicare Australia and Centrelink are highlighting service options for our most vulnerable citizens.
Medicare Australia’s Public Teams Manager in Brisbane, Margaret Hockings, said many people who are homeless face huge barriers to accessing essential services.
"Many are sleeping rough or have no fixed address; some are illiterate; then there are people with crippling social phobias, addictions, chronic and acute illness or simply lost identification," Ms Hockings said.
"Medicare Australia and Centrelink take to the streets to ensure the vulnerable can access vital medical and financial help.
"We regularly visit hostels and homeless centres across inner Brisbane to enrol people in Medicare, issue Medicare cards, link eligible people with Centrelink benefits they’re entitled to, and provide information about our services.
"We see a steady stream of people, and we see the appreciation on their faces when we’ve provided assistance."
The manager of Fortitude Valley homeless shelter 139 Club, Rod Kelly, knows the difference Medicare and Centrelink services make to the lives of people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
"Without a Medicare card for instance, the homeless can’t even access a family doctor, which is a worry because many homeless people have serious or life-threatening illness, including mental illness," Mr Kelly said.
"Without access to Centrelink benefits, they can be very desperate - the temptation is to turn to crime or other survival strategies.
"Or they just suffer their agonies in silence. One bloke had a tooth abscess and the whole side of his face was swollen, but there’s no way he would go to a dentist. He’d just ask for some paracetemol."
The 139 Club provides a place for Medicare, Centrelink and other services to build a relationship of trust with people who are homeless.
Up to 300 people a day visit the club for support including social, health and legal services; low-cost food; a shower; and laundry.
"We’ve got a doctor, nurses, a podiatrist, a chiropractor, counsellors and a dentist on the way," Mr Kelly said.
"Our doctor comes one morning a week and bulk bills the consultations so it’s free for the patient. She then donates the money she earns from Medicare back to the 139 Club."
In addition to visiting hostels and homeless shelters, Centrelink staff also visit people who are homeless in parks in inner-Brisbane and other urban centres.
Centrelink Community Engagement Program Manager Primla Summers said Centrelink Community Engagement Officers often talk to customers in local parks, community centres or hospitals to ensure they reach all those who may need Centrelink assistance.
"It’s not an easy job but it can be incredibly rewarding to get to know people and watch them overcome significant obstacles to rebuild their lives," Mr Ingra said.
For more information about 139 Club, or to offer donations, goods or services, visit the 139 Club website.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.