Severe Economic Distress.

The 2018 Employee Insights Report from SunSuper indicates several interesting findings about the perceived economic situation of Australian employees currently.
​
In terms of stressors for employees;
40% of employees are stressed by lack of financial security,
35% of employees are stressed by managing household finances and bills;
And 29% report stress about a lack of savings for retirement.

These numbers might sound high during a period of relative economic prosperity, but the truth is that we see economic distress and risk of economic distress as a major factor affecting the mental health, housing security, health and well-being and equality of opportunity for millions of Australians currently.

The reality is, 2.9 Million Australians live below the poverty line right now, over 1 in 10. These are a large collection of individuals, families and communities that are largely out of sight. Not experiencing the typical visible disadvantage that we associate with the advertising campaigns of non-profit organisations. These people are most at risk of poor health, low levels of education, higher rates of mental health issues and lower life expectancies than the rest of us.
They are the communities that are on a knifes edge, bordering on homelessness, skipping meals and unable to provide equality of opportunity for their children. They are the elderly community members who are out of sight and out of mind, unable to physically do all the things they used to be able to do, unable to pay someone to help. Eating poorly, being lonely, missing out on a chance to contribute and be a vibrant part of a community. They are those suffering from disabilities that aren’t supported in a way that allows them to thrive, guiding them towards their fullest potential for happiness, health and community contribution.

At the Just Be Nice Project we address economic stressors in two major ways;
1 – Decreased cost of living. Addressing areas where we may be able to consolidate costs, debt expenses, budgets, food/utilities and vehicle costs.
2 – Increased earning capacity. Through education, training, engagement and industry-led employment pathways with out partner organisations. We find or create innovative ways to improve the earning capacity of those suffering economic distress.
 
Through diverse, integrated, long-term partnerships, we are able to create appropriate and effective interventions to develop individuals and communities into contributing, effective beacons of equality of opportunity. Moving from Severe Economic Distress to Severe Economic De-Stress.
 
If you are interested in finding out how you, or your organisation can better impact the lives of the millions of Australians suffering from and inequality of opportunity, get in touch via the contact form below.