As cost-of-living pressures continue to affect more Australians, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with their financial commitments. That’s why we’re revisiting a conversation we first shared a couple of years ago. It remains just as relevant today, particularly for financial counsellors supporting clients through hardship and for Australians looking for practical ways to regain control of their finances.

Financial counsellors from across Australia regularly contact Way Forward to find out whether we can assist clients who may be eligible for our service. While financial counsellors provide free, independent advice and advocacy, Way Forward works alongside them to help eligible people develop realistic debt repayment options and negotiate with participating creditors.

Our Hardship Advocacy team regularly works with banks, financial institutions, credit providers and other creditors to support people experiencing financial hardship. Whether someone is dealing with credit card debt, personal loan debt, buy now pay later debt, payday loans, overdue bills or the challenge of managing multiple debts, our collaborative approach helps people explore practical solutions that are tailored to their individual circumstances.

One example of this partnership saw Kelly from Way Forward’s Hardship Advocacy team connect with Colleen Crowley, a Small Business Financial Counsellor with the City of Cockburn in Western Australia.

Their discussion highlighted how financial counsellors and Way Forward can work together to provide additional support for people facing financial hardship and help them plan a pathway towards financial stability.

Way Forward welcomes referrals from financial counsellors for people who meet our eligibility criteria. By working together with financial counsellors, banks and participating creditors, we can provide an additional layer of support that helps Australians move forward with greater confidence and a clear plan for managing their debts.

For more information about how Way Forward works alongside financial counsellors, visit our For Financial Counsellors page.