Help Ember afford basics

Hi, my name is Ember! I am fundraising to get some support with my living expenses.

Currently, my outgoing fees are:

$250 a week for rent

$140 a week for therapy

$80 a month for medication

$35 a month for my phone bill

I moved to Australia 2 years ago and was initially on a Working Holiday visa. I have since applied for a Refugee Humanitarian Visa. My application was submitted in December of 2023 and I’m awaiting the outcome, no time frame was provided. If my visa is approved, I will become a permanent resident, however if it is declined I will have to leave Australia within 30 days.

I have a casual job with varying hours and haven’t worked for a few weeks now. Although I am looking for another job, I cannot commit to a job that is permanent or long term due to my visa restrictions. Many employers also do not wish to hire someone who may have to leave the country within 30 days.

I am also not entitled to Centrelink (the Australian Government Income Support) to assist me financially. If I was a permanent resident, I would be able to receive the Disability Support Pension and would also be able to get support workers to assist me as I need. Unfortunately I am having to do without that support at the moment which means I am consistently burnt out and struggle with maintaining day-to-day tasks.

My psychologist has allowed me to skip payments here and there but this is not a long term solution. My pharmacy also allow me to make $20 weekly payments instead of making the full $80 payment however I have not been able to make any payments over the past couple of weeks and am now having to consider skipping days or stopping some of my medication completely.

I also use public transport so money is being used for that. At the moment I am accessing food support through charities and food banks which I am very appreciative of, however there is a limit on how often you can access these and I will have to wait a few months to go again.

I do have some other medical expenses that will be coming up when I can afford them, so any extra money I raise will be going towards those. This includes an iron infusion (around $100) and psychiatrist appointment (around $200).

I do not have family who I can turn to for support which is why I am now starting a go fund me.

I am truly grateful for anyone who reads this and considers donating. Even if you can only donate $5, that will allow me buy some groceries or get the bus to an appointment.

Thank you x