Many Aussies are taking cold showers and not heating their homes, despite the winter chill, in an attempt to save money.
New data from The Salvation Army, which surveyed those who contacted them for help, revealed 52 percent were not using heating or cooling at home and 37 percent used only cold water for washing and showering to reduce their energy bills.
Major Bruce Harmer said the cost-of-living crunch was also impacting other areas of their lives with the survey showing 43 percent were unable to afford basic hygiene items like soap, toilet paper or menstrual products and nearly three in five (58 percent) were unable to visit a doctor, dentist or optometrist due to a lack of money.
Major Harmer said over half (53 percent) couldn’t afford public transport or fuel for their vehicle, leading to one in three (34 percent) saying their children missed school because they couldn’t afford fuel or transport.
“The lengths that Australian’s are having to resort to in order to survive is truly heartbreaking. Behind every stat in this Salvos research are real people who we have supported, many of whom are trapped in a prison of poverty and feel they do not have any hope,” he said.
Major Harmer cited examples of a 52-year-old woman who often went without food and had lost so much weight her clothes were “falling off”, but couldn’t afford to buy ones that fitted, while a 37-year-old woman had to choose between medical treatment and being able to afford food.
“This is where The Salvation Army steps in, and this is also where the Australian public steps in. Through supporting the work of the Salvos.”
He said other key findings from the Salvos research were:
- One in four (26 percent) had their electricity disconnected in the past year.
- Among those with a disability or chronic health condition, 27 percent could not afford necessary aids or equipment such as a wheelchair or hearing aid.
- Almost one in five (19 percent) had couch surfed or lived in their car in the past 12 months.
- 46 percent said their mental health had worsened over the past year.
- Almost seven in 10 (69 percent) reported losing sleep over their financial situation.
Donations can be made through the Red Shield Appeal.
