The Bring Your Bills Day aims to help people to resolve outstanding financial issues. A range of service providers and specialist agencies will be present on the day to assist people who are experiencing financial stress, with advice and solutions as to how to reduce bills, find out information on managing fines, debt, credit and loan issues.

Other agencies that will be present include Ability Links, Carrie’s Place, Cessnock City Council, the Department of Human Services-Centrelink, FACS-Housing NSW, Hunter Community Legal Service, Hunter Valley Financial Counselling, Hunter Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, NSW Fair Trading and Revenue NSW.

“Bring Your Bills Day is a great way to access a range of services in one place at the one time. We know that it can be challenging and distressing to see the bills piling up, but we hope that people will come along to talk through some of the financial stress that they are facing,” Samaritans senior worker Greg Stevens said.

Samaritans staff will be available on the day to assist with welfare needs and Energy Accounts Payment Assistance, with information and referrals to emergency relief, financial and gambling counselling, homelessness services and more.

“Many people in our community experience serious financial distress which leads to poor outcomes in terms of mental health and sometimes family breakdown. By linking with the right services, we aim to provide people with ongoing support and solutions to lessen financial burden and related stress,” Mr Stevens said.

The Bring Your Bills Day will be held at the Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre (198-202 Vincent Street, Cessnock) from 9am to 3pm and all are welcome.

While bookings are encouraged, participants are welcome to pop in on the day to speak to participating agencies. Bookings can be made by calling Samaritans on 4993 3400.