Financial Counselling playing cards

Prisoners have access to few resources as they cannot use the Internet, make 1800 or 1300 calls or visit services or government departments.

Playing cards is one of very few permitted leisure activities. The financial counselling playing cards aim to facilitate access to information and budgeting tips through individually designed cards.

The idea for financial counselling cards was inspired by a set of cards currently in use with HEP C and HIV information.

The Financial Counselling cards have artwork that is designed by ex-prisoners and their families and contain simple messages about budgeting and debt, together with contact details for relevant organisations. For example, some of the messages include: Save for a rainy day, What's your financial goal? Can you afford not to budget? Always read the small print, Want vs need, Let Child Support Agency know you are in prison, community legal services provide free legal advice, financial counsellors are free, independent, confidential.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs