Services

Information and Referral
Volunteers provide community and crisis information and referral for clients. Information is sourced from our Community Information Database as well as pamphlets, booklets and manuals.

Education Support Program
Assistance is given for children in families having difficulty paying educational expenses such as school camps, sporting programs, school books, uniforms and excursions.

Advocacy & Support
BayCISS volunteers are trained to advocate, on behalf of clients, with Government Departments, companies or third parties.

Emergency Relief Assistance
BayCISS provides limited emergency relief for people experiencing financial hardship. This may take the form of food parcels, financial assistance in paying household bills, food vouchers, medical prescriptions, Telstra bill assistance and Metropolitan travel vouchers.

Counselling
Counselling is available for families, couples and individuals living in Bayside, Kingston and Glen Eira.

Legal Service
Volunteer solicitors provide free legal advice by appointment.

Budgeting Advice
Trained volunteers provide budgeting advice and limited assistance with household finances.

Occasional Child Care
Castlefield provides an Occasional Care program during school term as well as a three year old program two afternoons a week. Booking priority is given to children in situations of family or emergency need.

Support Networks
Castlefield provides opportunities for residents to develop social support networks such as joining the centre’s Playgroup, Patchwork Group, Bridge Club and Water Painting Classes.

Self-Help Groups
Self-help groups such as AA, Al Anon Families, Al Anon Adult Children and Easy Breathers, operated by volunteers, are run at Castlefield.

Recreational Programs
Located at Castlefield, these include Chat and Patch, Rostrum Public Speaking, Water colour Painting classes, Bridge Club and Beta Sigma Phi as well as other activities on a one-off or occasional basis.

No Interest Loan Scheme
This scheme provides no interest loans to low income earners. Repayments are determined by the individual’s ability to pay.

Tax Help
Trained tax consultants assist clients with submitting their outstanding tax returns.