January 16, 2025 • 17 mins
This is our third episode in the Summer Series, and this time we're revisiting Dr Caroline Howe's interview with Bernadette Redford from the Salvation Army "Money Care" Team. Originally aired as Episode 4 - Financial Support for Injured Workers, Bernadette will talk us through some practical advice around financial counselling, getting on top of debt, and acting sooner rather than later!
We also have a short clip from Episode 16 - Burnout - From Wounded to Warrior where Dr Caroline Howe is in conversation with Alicia Gibbs, who takes us through the effects burnout can have on your ability to return to work, plus how to avoid burnout in the first place.
For more on Salvation Army's Money Care, you can access that information here: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/moneycare-financial-counselling/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S1 (00:01):
Hello and welcome to the My Social Support Network podcast,
a series to guide you along the path to recovery
while on workers compensation. In this series, we will answer
questions from you and provide information from experts and people
with lived experience currently going through worker's compensation and those
who have made their way to the other side. Through
these interactions, we'll be giving you tools, advice, but most importantly,
(00:24):
encouragement on what can be a stressful time when you're
also recovering from an injury sustained in your workplace.
S2 (00:31):
Did you miss out on some of our most popular
episodes this year? Well, this summer we have our most
loved and our most listened to conversations on recovery. The
third episode in our summer series is financial support episode
that we recorded with Bernadette from the Salvation Army. At
the time of recording, I didn't realise that this would
(00:52):
probably be one of the most important episodes for people
with injuries. If you have anybody that is at risk
financially and within the scheme, or you yourself might be
finding it hard to pay a few bills at the moment.
Contact the Salvation Army. They are an incredible service. Please
listen now to our episode with Bernadette. I cannot recommend
(01:13):
it highly enough. It is probably one of my most
favourite out of our top three, because it's so full
of information that is accessible to everybody. Bernadette, we are
so grateful to have you as part of the podcast today.
We often find that one of the unspoken barriers in
recovering from a workplace injury is the financial impact. Would
(01:35):
you be able to just tell us a little bit
about what the service is?
S3 (01:40):
It's typically for people who are experiencing stress and crisis.
It's a free service and it's confidential. So, um, it
starts with a conversation. So we would listen to your story.
There's no restriction on who can actually access the service.
We are limited in, um, I suppose what kind of
advice that, that we would give. So I suppose when
(02:03):
you're saying access to these services, we're not financial planners.
We're not sort of someone you go to if you,
you know, got $1 million and, you know, you want
to know what to do with it. Like financial planning
is different to financial counseling. So we typically would be
working with people that have debts and that they want
to learn how to, you know, manage their money better.
They want to just get some some information about money
(02:26):
and how money works. You know, fees and charges and scams.
We see a lot of people that have been scammed.
They've lost everything. So they've come with losing everything that
they've ever had from being scammed out of the money.
So yeah. So that sort of things too. And then
when they come to us is they're triggered by an event,
something has happened. So as you say, with the people
(02:47):
that access your service, you know, they've been injured like
there'd be people, you know, that they may have lost
a partner, you know, they've lost their job or, um,
you know, somebody died. They're divorced. Domestic violence, that kind
of thing. So, um, yes.
S2 (03:04):
Is it ever too soon for someone to ask for help?
S3 (03:07):
No, I don't think so. Like, it's when you. When
you actually have a financial counselling appointment. Like, the first
thing that we try and do is establish like your
financial position. So it's, it's good for you to know
on paper to find out what you owe and what
you own. So once you've established your financial position, that's
something for us to talk about. So we also talk
about what's coming in and what's going out and how
(03:29):
that looks. And then that way we can review your
money plan. And that's a good place to start. And
it doesn't matter what financial position you're in to do
a money plan in that process as well. We could
explain to you the debt recovery process, how you're able
to access hardship, how to understand financial products and fees
and charges associated with products that are that are sold,
(03:50):
you know, sort of like even the difference between borrowing
money from like a what's called a payday lender who
charges 47% interest, you know, as opposed to what a
bank loan looks like, and, you know, the fees. So
there's sort of like a huge difference with the interest
that people pay out there. So Money Care has a
national intake line. So that number is one 807 2363.
(04:15):
So if you call that number you'll reach an intake line.
And that intake line they can make you a face
to face appointment or a telephone appointment depending on what's required.
S2 (04:25):
It's such a great service. Is there anything that would
exclude someone from being able to have a discussion with
you guys?
S3 (04:31):
To actually call yourself a financial counselor, you actually have
to offer a free service. But if you, um, if
you just rang for a financial counselling service, it's free.
So if somebody is asking for money, then they haven't
got the right service.
S2 (04:45):
That is so good. If people are transitioning from workers
comp to Centrelink so they're still able to access the
service under that circumstance. Absolutely.
S3 (04:54):
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. There would be no restriction.
S2 (04:56):
What sort of information is helpful for them to bring
along to their very first discussion with you guys?
S3 (05:01):
It's really useful if they bring three months bank statements. Any, um,
statements for, like, their utility bills, your water, your electricity.
You say you've got a home loan. Your home loan statement.
So we want to establish, you know, if they're behind
in anything, if they're able to make regular payments, exactly
what the bills are and who they're with. Because if
(05:23):
we know who the bills are and who they're with,
then we know who the client needs to call, and
you're not relying on memory. So, um, so any kind
of pay slips or their Centrelink payments and, um, just
any loan. So it's three months bank statement, proof of debts,
proof of income, any loan contracts, any legal documents. Is
someone taking any legal action against you? Can you bring
that with you? You know, like somebody might be, you know,
(05:46):
taking legal action to recover money. So that sort of
more serious it needs to be dealt with, you know,
as a priority. The more you provide is better. But
I will say in the first instance, if you just
need to come and talk to talk to us about
what's going on, just come. People get really stressed when
they think, who are you people? You know, you want
three months bank statements, you want all this stuff. And
I just, you know, I know, I think we have
(06:07):
to start somewhere. The more you bring, the more accurate
everything's going to be and the more you'll get out
of it.
S2 (06:12):
If someone's really struggling with anxiety, is there the opportunity
for you to help write a script for them or
help them make a phone call? How far does that
support go for someone that becomes really distressed about trying
to solve that problem?
S3 (06:30):
So what we try and do is, um, just support
people through that process as well. So she comes in
to the office, or you can do it on the
phone as well. And we can call the people that
we know what's called a hardship department. So somebody that, um,
we can access. So we would have the client sitting
with us or having them on the phone. And then
so that way the conversation is facilitated between three people.
(06:53):
So I would generally sit silent unless I'm asked to
say something. The client would identify themselves and say, you're
happy for Bernadette to sit in on this conversation. And
they'll say, yes. Then the client then will tell their
story about what they need and what's happened to them.
And I find that works really well because they've got
the support of someone sitting there and they've actually then, um,
(07:16):
empowered by actually saying the words themselves about what's happened
to them. And then when you're dealing with, um, your creditors,
you know, you don't have to tell them every little
thing that's happened to you. It's on a need to
know basis of what they need to know. You know,
you could just say I haven't been well, you know,
and I'm unfit for work. You just tell them. But
flagging yourself as somebody that needs assistance actually takes you
(07:38):
to another level. So if we use the example of
the energy company, they'll flag you as someone that needs
sort of like special care in their hardship department or something.
So actually just declaring yourself as a vulnerable person actually
helps you because they won't cut you off. Like you
won't be disconnected from electricity because you just say, for example,
that you end up with our hardship team. And then
(08:00):
so they know that you're a vulnerable person and then
they will work with you as opposed to you doing nothing.
S2 (08:07):
It's so hard to find organizations that just care. Like
it's so hard to find someone that's just going to
have a conversation and care for the same people that
we care for and know that they're going to be okay,
and that there's a pathway through. Because oftentimes when people
become so distressed, whether it's injury or financial whatever, all
(08:27):
of a sudden you look up and it's too hard.
You don't know who to call. And becomes so overwhelming.
And then mental health starts to fall apart. Like you
just see the whole thing start to fray. But to
know that there's just one place that you can call
that someone will treat you like you're not going crazy,
and that they're going to help you through. That is lovely.
You know, I know that there are other organizations out there,
(08:50):
but it's just really nice to know that you guys
are doing this.
S3 (08:53):
The kind of scenario you're describing is not uncommon. Can
I just say, okay, when you're ready, we'll make an
appointment and we'll come and do thing. And we do
one thing. We don't call six people. We call one
person and you come back next time we talk to
another person because it's too overwhelming. It's just too much.
I get I'll get it. It takes too long. It's
too stressful. Through that process, you're coaching people in saying so,
(09:14):
once they've sort of done it a couple of times
with you, they've learned a script. And then just then
their opening line is, hello? Yes, I have a financial counselor. Yes. Um, well,
can you send me some information about that and say
I need to talk to my financial counselor about this,
and we'll get back to you, because taking calls from
people is really stressful. But it is about building a
(09:36):
relationship with the client and empowering them for things to
get better. Like, we want a good outcome and we
do work holistically with people, but we can't do everything
for everybody. But a financial counselor might not know all
the answers, but they know who to call. So you're
behind in your mortgage payments. So then if you're behind
in your mortgage payments, well, then you might need some
legal advice because your property is at risk because you're
(09:58):
in arrears. So the most common thing would be legal advice.
So we'd refer you to a free telephone legal service
that you can say, I've met a financial counselor and
she told me to call you and you'll get a
get a call back. You know, they'll prioritize it. Actually,
I might say. Well, would you like me to, um,
say you've forwarded me some information? Would you like me
to send that to the legal people? And I'll get
(10:19):
them to call you. So they knew that sort of
expedites the whole thing.
S2 (10:24):
It sounds awesome.
S3 (10:26):
We also give you, like, information is sort of part
of our financial literacy as well too. So for example,
one that comes to mind is everybody seems to appreciate
knowing about. It's called insurance essentials. So if you have
a car that's worth less than $5,000 and there's home
contents as well, and you're a Centrelink recipient, it's organised
by good Shepherd so you can have your insurance and
(10:49):
car less than $5,000 if you're on a Centrelink benefit.
It's a much cheaper rate for insurance. So, for example,
a client said to me his insurance payments went from
$140 a month to 80. So that was a really
big saving because he was on Centrelink with this insurance essential.
So that's someone that told me recently that he was
able to access for his car. But it's only for
people that have a car that's worth less than Less
(11:11):
than $5,000.
S2 (11:12):
If they needed an interpreter or they need some support
with language. Is there that is that available?
S3 (11:18):
There is. However, I would prefer to work without one,
and there's been very few clients I have been unable
to work with because it's just if people just need
time to get through this, I think people feel like
they're not communicating well or as well as they could,
but I've always generally had a lot of success. I
(11:39):
very rarely would need an interpreter because I feel like
I can work with people. Half of it's confidence and thinking,
you know, being encouraged to express yourself, I think. And
then I think if you've lived here for a while
and you're able to do most things, I reckon we
can work it out. But if you want an interpreter,
you can. I haven't really had anybody in 15 years
(12:01):
that I haven't been able to work it out with them.
S1 (12:03):
That was Bernadette Redford from the Salvation Army's Money Care team.
If you'd like to hear that entire episode, you can
find that episode as episode four of the of the
My Social Support Network podcast. Financial support for injured workers.
And while you're with us, we thought you might like
this short clip from episode 16 about burnout. This is
Doctor Caroline Howe speaking to Alicia Gibbs about burnout in Australia.
S4 (12:27):
Burnout isn't a medical condition. What we call it here
is an occupational syndrome. Once somebody is burnt out, often
not just psychologically, but also physiologically. So when you're speaking
to somebody who's burnt out. Often fatigue is actually the
main thing. They're just exhausted. They're tired all the time.
(12:47):
And that's because they've been in a high stress environment,
whatever that looks like for that workplace for too long. Um,
so it's kind of like that candle that burns too,
too hot, too bright, right? So the first step for,
you know, recovering from burnout is around re-establishing your physical
(13:07):
health and wellbeing. And then often the next thing that
I would suggest working on with burnout is setting boundaries.
So if you are a person who you are feeling
burnt out because the kind of work that you did was,
you know, you had to work long hours or you
felt so compassionate about the people you were working with,
(13:28):
or you cared so much about what you were doing,
you felt like you had to give and give and
give whatever the work is. The reality is that that
behavior is going to come up when you go back
to work. So I've worked with people who've had time off,
had a rest, got better routine and structure, but then
gone and done a different job and stepped in. That
burnout has actually creeped up again. So what we then
(13:50):
need is to work on some strategies to make sure
that we are working our 9 to 5 or our
20 hours a week, or whatever that looks like, and
being strategic in making sure that we're getting the work
done that we need to get done, and that you
have stuff outside of work that's important to you as well.
S2 (14:10):
I actually don't think I've met anybody in the in
the last 18 months or two years that has walked
through our doors, that didn't love and dedicate their whole
being to that workplace. I find people who end up
with a psychological injury as a result of workplace incredibly loyal,
(14:31):
and that overwhelm that happens once the event happens. It's
almost this disbelief I've given you so much and now
this has happened.
S4 (14:40):
If the workplace that we're in isn't going to support us,
it's step one setting boundaries. I'm not responding to that request.
I'm not going to do that extra work. No, no, no,
that that can be so hard, as you've said, Carolyn,
because people are so passionate, it can feel really disconnecting
to have to say no. And often, if you're known
(15:01):
as the person that gives 150%, if all of a
sudden you're giving 100%, it feels to your employer like
you're doing less. And that sometimes isn't received well.
S1 (15:13):
That was Alicia Gibbs talking about burnout from episode 16
of the My Social Support Network podcast. Burnout from Wounded
to Warrior.
S2 (15:22):
We hope you enjoyed the episodes this year. We certainly
enjoyed making them. Check us out on our socials, Facebook,
Instagram and we have Rehab Reimagined, a newsletter on LinkedIn
where we explore, unpack, and try and reimagine rehabilitation for
the people that we want to help the most, which
(15:43):
is the injured worker. My social support network, where we
reimagine rehabilitation so that you, your family and your community
can thrive.
S1 (15:55):
If today's episode has raised some questions about your life
and maybe your financial status, you can reach out to
the Salvation Army at Salvation Army and at the top
of their website, you'll see a banner that says Need help.
So if you click on Need Help and go to
the financial assistance part of the website, you'll then get
to the Money Care Financial counselling team, and they'll be
(16:16):
able to help you take control of your finances. If
you'd preferred to speak to someone on the phone, then
you can ring the Money Care team on one 807 2363.
That's one 807 2363, and they'll be able to help
you get in touch with someone from the money care
team at the Salvation Army. The holiday season can be isolating,
(16:37):
so if you'd like to speak to someone, then reach out.
There are people who can be there for you. Lifeline
on 13 1114. Beyond blue on one 302 4636 and
the 24 hour mental health access line on one 800 0151.
(16:59):
And if you know a young person 25 and under,
or you are a young person 25 or under, you
can access the kids helpline on one 805. One 800.
And of course, if it's an emergency and you require
urgent support, please reach out to ambulance or police on 000.
Hello and welcome to the My Social Support Network podcast,
a series to guide you along the path to recovery
while on workers compensation. In this series, we will answer
questions from you and provide information from experts and people
with lived experience currently going through worker's compensation and those
who have made their way to the other side. Through
these interactions, we'll be giving you tools, advice, but most importantly,
(00:24):
encouragement on what can be a stressful time when you're
also recovering from an injury sustained in your workplace.
S2 (00:31):
Did you miss out on some of our most popular
episodes this year? Well, this summer we have our most
loved and our most listened to conversations on recovery. The
third episode in our summer series is financial support episode
that we recorded with Bernadette from the Salvation Army. At
the time of recording, I didn't realise that this would
(00:52):
probably be one of the most important episodes for people
with injuries. If you have anybody that is at risk
financially and within the scheme, or you yourself might be
finding it hard to pay a few bills at the moment.
Contact the Salvation Army. They are an incredible service. Please
listen now to our episode with Bernadette. I cannot recommend
(01:13):
it highly enough. It is probably one of my most
favourite out of our top three, because it's so full
of information that is accessible to everybody. Bernadette, we are
so grateful to have you as part of the podcast today.
We often find that one of the unspoken barriers in
recovering from a workplace injury is the financial impact. Would
(01:35):
you be able to just tell us a little bit
about what the service is?
S3 (01:40):
It's typically for people who are experiencing stress and crisis.
It's a free service and it's confidential. So, um, it
starts with a conversation. So we would listen to your story.
There's no restriction on who can actually access the service.
We are limited in, um, I suppose what kind of
advice that, that we would give. So I suppose when
(02:03):
you're saying access to these services, we're not financial planners.
We're not sort of someone you go to if you,
you know, got $1 million and, you know, you want
to know what to do with it. Like financial planning
is different to financial counseling. So we typically would be
working with people that have debts and that they want
to learn how to, you know, manage their money better.
They want to just get some some information about money
(02:26):
and how money works. You know, fees and charges and scams.
We see a lot of people that have been scammed.
They've lost everything. So they've come with losing everything that
they've ever had from being scammed out of the money.
So yeah. So that sort of things too. And then
when they come to us is they're triggered by an event,
something has happened. So as you say, with the people
(02:47):
that access your service, you know, they've been injured like
there'd be people, you know, that they may have lost
a partner, you know, they've lost their job or, um,
you know, somebody died. They're divorced. Domestic violence, that kind
of thing. So, um, yes.
S2 (03:04):
Is it ever too soon for someone to ask for help?
S3 (03:07):
No, I don't think so. Like, it's when you. When
you actually have a financial counselling appointment. Like, the first
thing that we try and do is establish like your
financial position. So it's, it's good for you to know
on paper to find out what you owe and what
you own. So once you've established your financial position, that's
something for us to talk about. So we also talk
about what's coming in and what's going out and how
(03:29):
that looks. And then that way we can review your
money plan. And that's a good place to start. And
it doesn't matter what financial position you're in to do
a money plan in that process as well. We could
explain to you the debt recovery process, how you're able
to access hardship, how to understand financial products and fees
and charges associated with products that are that are sold,
(03:50):
you know, sort of like even the difference between borrowing
money from like a what's called a payday lender who
charges 47% interest, you know, as opposed to what a
bank loan looks like, and, you know, the fees. So
there's sort of like a huge difference with the interest
that people pay out there. So Money Care has a
national intake line. So that number is one 807 2363.
(04:15):
So if you call that number you'll reach an intake line.
And that intake line they can make you a face
to face appointment or a telephone appointment depending on what's required.
S2 (04:25):
It's such a great service. Is there anything that would
exclude someone from being able to have a discussion with
you guys?
S3 (04:31):
To actually call yourself a financial counselor, you actually have
to offer a free service. But if you, um, if
you just rang for a financial counselling service, it's free.
So if somebody is asking for money, then they haven't
got the right service.
S2 (04:45):
That is so good. If people are transitioning from workers
comp to Centrelink so they're still able to access the
service under that circumstance. Absolutely.
S3 (04:54):
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. There would be no restriction.
S2 (04:56):
What sort of information is helpful for them to bring
along to their very first discussion with you guys?
S3 (05:01):
It's really useful if they bring three months bank statements. Any, um,
statements for, like, their utility bills, your water, your electricity.
You say you've got a home loan. Your home loan statement.
So we want to establish, you know, if they're behind
in anything, if they're able to make regular payments, exactly
what the bills are and who they're with. Because if
(05:23):
we know who the bills are and who they're with,
then we know who the client needs to call, and
you're not relying on memory. So, um, so any kind
of pay slips or their Centrelink payments and, um, just
any loan. So it's three months bank statement, proof of debts,
proof of income, any loan contracts, any legal documents. Is
someone taking any legal action against you? Can you bring
that with you? You know, like somebody might be, you know,
(05:46):
taking legal action to recover money. So that sort of
more serious it needs to be dealt with, you know,
as a priority. The more you provide is better. But
I will say in the first instance, if you just
need to come and talk to talk to us about
what's going on, just come. People get really stressed when
they think, who are you people? You know, you want
three months bank statements, you want all this stuff. And
I just, you know, I know, I think we have
(06:07):
to start somewhere. The more you bring, the more accurate
everything's going to be and the more you'll get out
of it.
S2 (06:12):
If someone's really struggling with anxiety, is there the opportunity
for you to help write a script for them or
help them make a phone call? How far does that
support go for someone that becomes really distressed about trying
to solve that problem?
S3 (06:30):
So what we try and do is, um, just support
people through that process as well. So she comes in
to the office, or you can do it on the
phone as well. And we can call the people that
we know what's called a hardship department. So somebody that, um,
we can access. So we would have the client sitting
with us or having them on the phone. And then
so that way the conversation is facilitated between three people.
(06:53):
So I would generally sit silent unless I'm asked to
say something. The client would identify themselves and say, you're
happy for Bernadette to sit in on this conversation. And
they'll say, yes. Then the client then will tell their
story about what they need and what's happened to them.
And I find that works really well because they've got
the support of someone sitting there and they've actually then, um,
(07:16):
empowered by actually saying the words themselves about what's happened
to them. And then when you're dealing with, um, your creditors,
you know, you don't have to tell them every little
thing that's happened to you. It's on a need to
know basis of what they need to know. You know,
you could just say I haven't been well, you know,
and I'm unfit for work. You just tell them. But
flagging yourself as somebody that needs assistance actually takes you
(07:38):
to another level. So if we use the example of
the energy company, they'll flag you as someone that needs
sort of like special care in their hardship department or something.
So actually just declaring yourself as a vulnerable person actually
helps you because they won't cut you off. Like you
won't be disconnected from electricity because you just say, for example,
that you end up with our hardship team. And then
(08:00):
so they know that you're a vulnerable person and then
they will work with you as opposed to you doing nothing.
S2 (08:07):
It's so hard to find organizations that just care. Like
it's so hard to find someone that's just going to
have a conversation and care for the same people that
we care for and know that they're going to be okay,
and that there's a pathway through. Because oftentimes when people
become so distressed, whether it's injury or financial whatever, all
(08:27):
of a sudden you look up and it's too hard.
You don't know who to call. And becomes so overwhelming.
And then mental health starts to fall apart. Like you
just see the whole thing start to fray. But to
know that there's just one place that you can call
that someone will treat you like you're not going crazy,
and that they're going to help you through. That is lovely.
You know, I know that there are other organizations out there,
(08:50):
but it's just really nice to know that you guys
are doing this.
S3 (08:53):
The kind of scenario you're describing is not uncommon. Can
I just say, okay, when you're ready, we'll make an
appointment and we'll come and do thing. And we do
one thing. We don't call six people. We call one
person and you come back next time we talk to
another person because it's too overwhelming. It's just too much.
I get I'll get it. It takes too long. It's
too stressful. Through that process, you're coaching people in saying so,
(09:14):
once they've sort of done it a couple of times
with you, they've learned a script. And then just then
their opening line is, hello? Yes, I have a financial counselor. Yes. Um, well,
can you send me some information about that and say
I need to talk to my financial counselor about this,
and we'll get back to you, because taking calls from
people is really stressful. But it is about building a
(09:36):
relationship with the client and empowering them for things to
get better. Like, we want a good outcome and we
do work holistically with people, but we can't do everything
for everybody. But a financial counselor might not know all
the answers, but they know who to call. So you're
behind in your mortgage payments. So then if you're behind
in your mortgage payments, well, then you might need some
legal advice because your property is at risk because you're
(09:58):
in arrears. So the most common thing would be legal advice.
So we'd refer you to a free telephone legal service
that you can say, I've met a financial counselor and
she told me to call you and you'll get a
get a call back. You know, they'll prioritize it. Actually,
I might say. Well, would you like me to, um,
say you've forwarded me some information? Would you like me
to send that to the legal people? And I'll get
(10:19):
them to call you. So they knew that sort of
expedites the whole thing.
S2 (10:24):
It sounds awesome.
S3 (10:26):
We also give you, like, information is sort of part
of our financial literacy as well too. So for example,
one that comes to mind is everybody seems to appreciate
knowing about. It's called insurance essentials. So if you have
a car that's worth less than $5,000 and there's home
contents as well, and you're a Centrelink recipient, it's organised
by good Shepherd so you can have your insurance and
(10:49):
car less than $5,000 if you're on a Centrelink benefit.
It's a much cheaper rate for insurance. So, for example,
a client said to me his insurance payments went from
$140 a month to 80. So that was a really
big saving because he was on Centrelink with this insurance essential.
So that's someone that told me recently that he was
able to access for his car. But it's only for
people that have a car that's worth less than Less
(11:11):
than $5,000.
S2 (11:12):
If they needed an interpreter or they need some support
with language. Is there that is that available?
S3 (11:18):
There is. However, I would prefer to work without one,
and there's been very few clients I have been unable
to work with because it's just if people just need
time to get through this, I think people feel like
they're not communicating well or as well as they could,
but I've always generally had a lot of success. I
(11:39):
very rarely would need an interpreter because I feel like
I can work with people. Half of it's confidence and thinking,
you know, being encouraged to express yourself, I think. And
then I think if you've lived here for a while
and you're able to do most things, I reckon we
can work it out. But if you want an interpreter,
you can. I haven't really had anybody in 15 years
(12:01):
that I haven't been able to work it out with them.
S1 (12:03):
That was Bernadette Redford from the Salvation Army's Money Care team.
If you'd like to hear that entire episode, you can
find that episode as episode four of the of the
My Social Support Network podcast. Financial support for injured workers.
And while you're with us, we thought you might like
this short clip from episode 16 about burnout. This is
Doctor Caroline Howe speaking to Alicia Gibbs about burnout in Australia.
S4 (12:27):
Burnout isn't a medical condition. What we call it here
is an occupational syndrome. Once somebody is burnt out, often
not just psychologically, but also physiologically. So when you're speaking
to somebody who's burnt out. Often fatigue is actually the
main thing. They're just exhausted. They're tired all the time.
(12:47):
And that's because they've been in a high stress environment,
whatever that looks like for that workplace for too long. Um,
so it's kind of like that candle that burns too,
too hot, too bright, right? So the first step for,
you know, recovering from burnout is around re-establishing your physical
(13:07):
health and wellbeing. And then often the next thing that
I would suggest working on with burnout is setting boundaries.
So if you are a person who you are feeling
burnt out because the kind of work that you did was,
you know, you had to work long hours or you
felt so compassionate about the people you were working with,
(13:28):
or you cared so much about what you were doing,
you felt like you had to give and give and
give whatever the work is. The reality is that that
behavior is going to come up when you go back
to work. So I've worked with people who've had time off,
had a rest, got better routine and structure, but then
gone and done a different job and stepped in. That
burnout has actually creeped up again. So what we then
(13:50):
need is to work on some strategies to make sure
that we are working our 9 to 5 or our
20 hours a week, or whatever that looks like, and
being strategic in making sure that we're getting the work
done that we need to get done, and that you
have stuff outside of work that's important to you as well.
S2 (14:10):
I actually don't think I've met anybody in the in
the last 18 months or two years that has walked
through our doors, that didn't love and dedicate their whole
being to that workplace. I find people who end up
with a psychological injury as a result of workplace incredibly loyal,
(14:31):
and that overwhelm that happens once the event happens. It's
almost this disbelief I've given you so much and now
this has happened.
S4 (14:40):
If the workplace that we're in isn't going to support us,
it's step one setting boundaries. I'm not responding to that request.
I'm not going to do that extra work. No, no, no,
that that can be so hard, as you've said, Carolyn,
because people are so passionate, it can feel really disconnecting
to have to say no. And often, if you're known
(15:01):
as the person that gives 150%, if all of a
sudden you're giving 100%, it feels to your employer like
you're doing less. And that sometimes isn't received well.
S1 (15:13):
That was Alicia Gibbs talking about burnout from episode 16
of the My Social Support Network podcast. Burnout from Wounded
to Warrior.
S2 (15:22):
We hope you enjoyed the episodes this year. We certainly
enjoyed making them. Check us out on our socials, Facebook,
Instagram and we have Rehab Reimagined, a newsletter on LinkedIn
where we explore, unpack, and try and reimagine rehabilitation for
the people that we want to help the most, which
(15:43):
is the injured worker. My social support network, where we
reimagine rehabilitation so that you, your family and your community
can thrive.
S1 (15:55):
If today's episode has raised some questions about your life
and maybe your financial status, you can reach out to
the Salvation Army at Salvation Army and at the top
of their website, you'll see a banner that says Need help.
So if you click on Need Help and go to
the financial assistance part of the website, you'll then get
to the Money Care Financial counselling team, and they'll be
(16:16):
able to help you take control of your finances. If
you'd preferred to speak to someone on the phone, then
you can ring the Money Care team on one 807 2363.
That's one 807 2363, and they'll be able to help
you get in touch with someone from the money care
team at the Salvation Army. The holiday season can be isolating,
(16:37):
so if you'd like to speak to someone, then reach out.
There are people who can be there for you. Lifeline
on 13 1114. Beyond blue on one 302 4636 and
the 24 hour mental health access line on one 800 0151.
(16:59):
And if you know a young person 25 and under,
or you are a young person 25 or under, you
can access the kids helpline on one 805. One 800.
And of course, if it's an emergency and you require
urgent support, please reach out to ambulance or police on 000.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.