Helping those who need it the most

THE cost of living in the Northern Territory is one of the highest in Australia, especially for the fundamental necessities of housing and food.

For those in full-time employment it can be difficult to make ends meet but for those without stable employment and living arrangements, it can be impossible.

CatholicCare NT director Jayne Lloyd said Anti-Poverty Week 2016 — from Sunday, October 16 to Saturday, October 22 — is a time to take action and assist people who need it most, and to help people build better lives.

“CatholicCare NT is committed to advocating for the people in our community who are marginalised, be it due to experiencing poverty or other hardship,” she said.

“We provide accessible, friendly and culturally-driven services to help individuals, couples, families and children.

“We can help with financial counselling, tenancy support, alcohol and other drug issues, or just be a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.”

CatholicCare NT puts the needs of the marginalised and vulnerable first.

Tennant Creek and Katherine staff are running a $10 food challenge to create and collect recipes made from fresh ingredients that can feed a family of four for $10 or less in a remote area.

“We’ll be sharing the recipes later this week on our website,” Ms Lloyd said.

“CatholicCare NT will be joining the City of Palmer- ston’s Anti-Poverty Week Event on Tuesday at the Gray Community Hall between 2.30pm and 4pm.

“We’ll have free healthy snack bags, free clothing and supplies, and plenty of people to offer support,” she said.

If you or somebody you know needs help tackling poverty, please telephone 8944 2000.