2023 Red Shield Report

The Research, Evaluation and Outcome Measurement team has recently released a new national report examining the experiences of financial hardship, cost of living, housing conditions, mental health and life challenges of community members who accessed our Emergency Relief services. More than 1700 participants completed the online survey.

The report demonstrates the financial difficulties many people endure when living on limited incomes, trying to maintain a basic standard of living. In 2023, most respondents struggled to meet the rising cost of living expenses. Many were unable to afford their rent, household bills or access to medical and health care. A large proportion of respondents reported that their mental health had negatively impacted their ability to undertake daily activities. For many jobseekers finding employment was also difficult, most reported significant barriers to finding work. Most households with children struggled to afford basic living expenses such as housing, food, utilities, fuel and health. Many respondents left with little discretionary income to safe or spend on other items.

The situation for many people who accessed The Salvation Army’s Emergency Relief services over the past twelve months remains grim, many worried about their financial future.

You can view and download the report here