We welcome you

People of every cultural background, gender identity and sexual orientation are welcome at the National Debt Helpline. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect, dignity and care.

Financial counsellors help people when they are in financial hardship or cannot pay their bills and debts. Financial counsellors with the National Debt Helpline work to provide the best support they can to people who use their services. They know that people need to feel safe – physically, psychologically and culturally – to be able to talk openly about their situation.

Financial Counsellors  work under a Code of Ethics with the values of:

• Respect
• Empowerment
• Non-discrimination
• Confidentiality
• Social justice

All financial counsellors must uphold these values in their work. This helps ensure that the people they work with are accepted, respected and supported.

Financial counsellors are non-judgmental and recognise the difficulties and discrimination that people from different backgrounds can face. They have experience working with people from all backgrounds and orientations and are trained in providing culturally safe environments.

First Nations

The National Debt Helpline welcomes First Nations people and aims to work with you in a culturally respectful and inclusive manner. We will work with you to understand your options and will help you to implement your choices. We will promote self determination and empowerment by helping you navigate financial systems and overcome unfair or discriminatory practices. If you would prefer to speak to a First Nations financial counsellor, you can call Mob Strong Debt Help on 1 800 808 488 or ask the NDH financial counsellor if there is a local First Nations financial counselling service available in your area. We will do our best to link you to a service.

LGBTIQ+

At the National Debt Helpline we welcome those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, those with an intersex variation – or other identification. Our aim is to provide a safe and welcoming space where we can address your issues and meet your needs.

Financial counsellors recognise that LGBTIQ+ Australians face barriers that can lead to significant disadvantage, and that discrimination or a lack of understanding can deter people from contacting support services. Many systems and processes are not currently designed to meet the needs of the LGBTIQ+ community which can result in structural discrimination.

Financial counsellors recognise these challenges and will work with you to overcome them. We will provide inclusive and non-discriminatory services.

Multicultural communities

At the National Debt Helpline, we welcome people from multicultural backgrounds.  Our aim is to provide a safe and welcoming space where we can work with you and help you.  We believe you have the right to be clearly understood and we will provide an interpreter if you need one.

People from different backgrounds, especially those new to Australia can find it very hard to use and understand new systems, in a language they do not know well. Financial counsellors will help you to understand them, explain your rights and obligations and support you to manage your money issues.

The Contact Us page explains how to book an interpreter.