Aussies skip life’s basics as new report reveals what’s being sacrificed to make ends meet
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It’s a chilling reality that, in a country as wealthy as Australia, thousands of our fellow Aussies are being forced to go without the most basic necessities—things many of us once took for granted.
The latest research from the Salvation Army (the Salvos) has revealed a heartbreaking picture: more and more Australians are skipping heating, hygiene, and even healthcare just to keep their heads above water.
The Salvos’ new survey, released as part of their annual Red Shield Appeal, paints a sobering portrait of life for those doing it tough.
Half of all people seeking help from the Salvos are avoiding heating their homes to save money, and a staggering 37 per cent are skipping hot showers to keep utility bills down.
It’s not just about comfort—these are basic needs, especially as winter bites.
But it doesn’t stop there. The research found that 43% of people accessing Salvos' services couldn’t afford essential hygiene products like soap, toilet paper, or menstrual products.
Even more alarming, 58 per cent had to forgo visits to the doctor, dentist, or optometrist because they simply couldn’t afford it.
Imagine having to choose between a meal and your medication, or between keeping warm and keeping clean.
Bruce Harmer, the Salvos’ head of external communications, described the findings as 'quite shocking'—even for an organisation that’s seen it all.
'The need seems to be deepening, and people find themselves in what I class as a prison of poverty, and they're unable to escape no matter how much they try,' he said.
It’s not just the usual suspects, either. The Salvos are now seeing people who once donated to the Red Shield Appeal now coming to them for help.
These are people who have worked hard all their lives, who have always managed to get by, and who now find themselves in need—often for the first time.
The statistics are sobering:
The cost-of-living crisis is biting hard. An Australia Institute survey last October found that more than half of Australian households are worse off financially than they were two years ago.
Only 15 per cent said they were doing better. Rising rents, soaring utility bills, and the ever-increasing price of groceries are pushing more and more people to the brink.
For many, it’s a slippery slope. A missed bill here, an unexpected expense there, and suddenly you’re facing choices no one should have to make.
The Salvos’ research shows that 90 per cent of those they help say they wouldn’t have managed without their support.
The Salvation Army isn’t just handing out food parcels and paying bills (though they do plenty of that).
They offer a range of services designed to help people get back on their feet, including:
If you or someone you know is struggling—even if you’ve never needed help before—the Salvos encourage you to reach out.
There’s no shame in asking for support, and you might be surprised at how much difference a little help can make.
In the past year alone, the Salvos have provided assistance to one person every 17 seconds.
That’s more than 1.76 million sessions of care, over 1.1 million bed nights, and 1.5 million meals for people experiencing homelessness.
But the need is growing, and the Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million by June 30 to keep their 2,000 services running across the country.
It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such overwhelming need, but every little bit counts.
Whether it’s donating to the Red Shield Appeal, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbour who might be doing it tough, we can all play a part in making sure no one in our community goes without life’s basics.
Have you or someone you know struggled to afford heating, hygiene, or healthcare? What do you think needs to change to make life easier for older Australians and those on fixed incomes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Read more: 'Charity is just a big business': Aussies outraged over op shops' price hikes
The latest research from the Salvation Army (the Salvos) has revealed a heartbreaking picture: more and more Australians are skipping heating, hygiene, and even healthcare just to keep their heads above water.
The Salvos’ new survey, released as part of their annual Red Shield Appeal, paints a sobering portrait of life for those doing it tough.
Half of all people seeking help from the Salvos are avoiding heating their homes to save money, and a staggering 37 per cent are skipping hot showers to keep utility bills down.
It’s not just about comfort—these are basic needs, especially as winter bites.
According to new research by the Salvation Army, heating, hygiene products, and healthcare are being skipped by many Australians facing financial hardship. Credit: Vecteezy
But it doesn’t stop there. The research found that 43% of people accessing Salvos' services couldn’t afford essential hygiene products like soap, toilet paper, or menstrual products.
Even more alarming, 58 per cent had to forgo visits to the doctor, dentist, or optometrist because they simply couldn’t afford it.
Imagine having to choose between a meal and your medication, or between keeping warm and keeping clean.
Bruce Harmer, the Salvos’ head of external communications, described the findings as 'quite shocking'—even for an organisation that’s seen it all.
'The need seems to be deepening, and people find themselves in what I class as a prison of poverty, and they're unable to escape no matter how much they try,' he said.
It’s not just the usual suspects, either. The Salvos are now seeing people who once donated to the Red Shield Appeal now coming to them for help.
These are people who have worked hard all their lives, who have always managed to get by, and who now find themselves in need—often for the first time.
The statistics are sobering:
- One in four people who reached out for help had their electricity disconnected in the past year.
- Forty-six per cent said their mental health had worsened over the past year.
- Twenty-seven per cent of those with a disability or chronic health condition couldn’t afford necessary aids or equipment, like a wheelchair or hearing aid.
The cost-of-living crisis is biting hard. An Australia Institute survey last October found that more than half of Australian households are worse off financially than they were two years ago.
Only 15 per cent said they were doing better. Rising rents, soaring utility bills, and the ever-increasing price of groceries are pushing more and more people to the brink.
For many, it’s a slippery slope. A missed bill here, an unexpected expense there, and suddenly you’re facing choices no one should have to make.
The Salvos’ research shows that 90 per cent of those they help say they wouldn’t have managed without their support.
The Salvation Army isn’t just handing out food parcels and paying bills (though they do plenty of that).
They offer a range of services designed to help people get back on their feet, including:
- Moneycare: Free budgeting and financial counselling, including help negotiating with creditors.
- Doorways: A one-stop shop for support, referrals, and practical assistance.
- Material aid: Food hampers, vouchers, help with utility bills, and more.
- Wrap-around support: Ongoing help to address the root causes of hardship, not just the symptoms.
There’s no shame in asking for support, and you might be surprised at how much difference a little help can make.
In the past year alone, the Salvos have provided assistance to one person every 17 seconds.
That’s more than 1.76 million sessions of care, over 1.1 million bed nights, and 1.5 million meals for people experiencing homelessness.
But the need is growing, and the Salvos are aiming to raise $38 million by June 30 to keep their 2,000 services running across the country.
It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such overwhelming need, but every little bit counts.
Whether it’s donating to the Red Shield Appeal, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbour who might be doing it tough, we can all play a part in making sure no one in our community goes without life’s basics.
Read more: 'Charity is just a big business': Aussies outraged over op shops' price hikes
