Founder
Founder
Navigating life’s “essentials” shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Yet, for many Australians, finding the best value for internet, mobile plans, electricity and gas essential services, has become a source of confusion and stress.
Our founder, Marcus Barlow, saw this struggle firsthand. With a career rooted in management and finance, Marcus has always been a problem-solver. But it was his personal journey helping his parents navigate the Australian aged care system that truly sparked the vision for Help is at Hand.
Today, Marcus brings that same dedication to every client he meets. Whether you are navigating an aged care assessment or simply looking for clarity in your monthly bills, Help is at Hand is here to listen, advocate, and ensure you have the support you need. At the end of the day, we believe that while systems or services may change, the need for genuine human connection never does!
We approach every interaction with genuine care and understanding for your unique situation.
Complete honesty and transparency in all our dealings, with your best interests at heart.
We’re committed to providing support that respects your dignity, protects your privacy, and connects you with your community.
Your privacy and safety are our top priorities in every interaction.
We listen without judgment and provide support with compassion and understanding.
Deeply connected to local communities to provide sensitive support services to Victorians.
By 2030, we envision a community where everyone has access to free, unbiased advocacy—helping people feel supported, informed, and confident in securing the best value for their essential services and ensuring compassionate advocacy and community referrals & connections are there in times of need.
Our simple 4-step process to get you the support and savings you deserve. Once we’ve identified the results we will be in touch and then you will decide the best way – keeping in mind what you consider is appropriate for you.
Call us or book a free consultation to discuss your needs.
We understand your situation and identify the best solutions.
We compare options and find the best deals for your needs.
You save money and get the support you need.
I met Marcus recently while I was in hospital, and I can honestly say his support came at just the right time. I’d been unwell for a while and had fallen behind on some of the everyday life admin that builds up when you’re just not at your best. Marcus stepped in and gave me a hand with things I was struggling to manage on my own and frequently checked in.
I was referred to Help is at Hand’s advocacy services, and I cannot recommend them enough. I was facing a difficult situation with claiming an old redundancy payout and was sure that the $8,600 in funds would never be recovered. Thanks to Marcus’s dedication and knowledge, not only did he manage to recover the funds for me, but the whole process was so much smoother and less stressful for me, I don’t think I think I would have got the funds back otherwise. He has also given me guidance to sort out a prior income protection rejection and help to start a TPD claim.
Marcus was always available to answer my questions, explain the steps, and offer guidance at every turn. I’m very grateful for his help.
Marcus from Help is at Hand was a delight to deal with. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. He was also extremely patient with my thousands of questions. I will be recommending Help is at Hand to my other retired friends who need a bit of extra support and assistance navigating the complexities of today’s confusing world.Marcus was always available to answer my questions, explain the steps, and offer guidance at every turn. I’m very grateful for his help.
I have had the honour of meeting a great person who is there for you in times of uncertainty his name is Marcus Barlow. It is strange how we met at Victorian Rehabilitation Centre. Marcus is the first person I have ever met that would assist you with anything such as advocating with better plans. Health Insurance, phone plans, Marcus will advocate for you… just talk to him and if he can assist Marcus Barlow is your man.
Marcus was always available to answer my questions, explain the steps, and offer guidance at every turn. I’m very grateful for his help.
I cannot recommend Marcus from help is at hand enough. He took the time to go through all my internet, mobile, electricity & gas plans. I had been overpaying for years without realising it. He managed to find me far better deals that actually better suited by needs. The process was simple & stress free & is saving me money every month! What impressed me the most was how clearly everything was explained & i really felt that Marcus had my best interest at heart.
If you want ‘Gold Class’ Help, Marcus at ‘Help is at Hand’ is definitely your ‘Go To’!
Marcus is approachable, caring, patient, a good communicator, and able to provide many types of expert help, support, sensible advice … and more.
Marcus has been extremely helpful in many ways overtime, with his expertise, support and advice in assisting my adult children, my sister and myself. This has included:
– Technical Expertise (e.g., sourcing / setting up / trouble shooting electronic devices; advising on online shopping sites / undertaking the online shopping or assisting with online shopping / following up if retailer needs prompting).
– Supporting (e.g., encouraging someone over time to seek medical care / paving the way with the ambulance and the hospital to make sure the process of getting to hospital was seamless once the decision was made; talking through life problems; being there—mostly virtually but sometimes physically.— Supporting / Advising (e.g., at the beginning and during the follow through on challenging actions a person wants to undertake).
And so much more …
We do not know what we would do without Marcus from Help is at Hand. Over time, he has fitted seamlessly into our family as a very valuable resource.
