Russell Vale grandmother Chris* is both a client of and volunteer with The Salvation Army - and wouldn't have it any other way.
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"It makes my week coming in here," she said.
"Helping people and being around the positive people, and they're all friends in here now. We class them as family."
Due to their daughter experiencing mental health issues, Chris*, 70, and her husband are carers for their 14-year-old granddaughter and eight-year-old grandson.
Chris has been utilising Salvos' services for five-and-a-half years, including their 'First Floor' drug, alcohol and mental health program to assist her daughter.
Chris is also a member of their 'Off Our Rockers' grandparents group; aimed at grandparents who have custody of, or are heavily involved with their grandchildren's lives.
Chris said the knowledge and support the group provided was vital.
"It's ideas, services and just a general get-together; sometimes the grandparents are pretty overwhelmed," she said.
"A lot of crying, a lot of laughter - it's whatever's needed on the day.
"Most of our stories are very similar. There could be financial hardships, and a lot of us are overwhelmed or very tired.
"We're trying to provide the best, most stable home for the children, as well as trying to keep things as normal for them as we can."
She said although they were "comfortable" financially and were able to provide for their grandchildren, other carers within their demographic were perhaps not so fortunate.
She said therefore programs such as the Salvos' Moneycare financial counselling service were increasingly important.
A review of Salvos' client needs data has found Australians aged 65 or older - the parents and grandparents in the community - are the most rapidly growing group needing the charity's assistance.
"We've seen a large increase in women coming into our services in the 55-64 age group," Illawarra community fundraising and public relations coordinator for the Salvation Army, Karen Walker said.
Mrs Walker said the Salvos were calling on state and federal governments to increase welfare payments, so the cost of living is more bearable for people who are caring for their grandchildren.
She also encouraged the public to donate to the annual Red Shield Doorknock weekend (May 25-26), which supports its emergency relief services.
To donate, visit the www.salvationarmy.org.au/get-involved/red-shield-appeal/ website.
*Surname withheld by request