Nicola Regains Her Confidence After Accessing Support From Better Off Finance

Nicola had desperately been seeking employment since completing university in 2016. She was on benefits, struggling to make ends meet, and was totally ‘daunted by finances’. So when she attended a presentation by H and James, the Financial Capability Workers from The Better off Finance project at Citizens Advice Wirral, she just knew that she just had to sign up for help!

Nicola (middle) with H and James

Since her enrolement on the project, she has completed several sessions on debts, budgeting, energy cost comparison and shopping around for better deals, which she stated ‘was one of the best sessions’ she said she is still using ‘my Supermarket.com’ to look for good deals on food shopping.  

Nicola enjoyed being part of a group and attended these sessions with the key workers as well as group employability sessions before successfully applying and obtaining a job role at Premier Inn.

On being asked about her journey, she told us: 

'After being out of work for so long, the depression had kicked in and self-confidence was low. How could I put my skills into words and sell my self when i was feeling so down!?'

  

I now have a greater confidence both personally and financially, and armed with the knowledge I have learnt, I am able to confidently stay within my budget between paydays”

And what would she say to someone else who was thinking about accessing the support of the project?

 “Go for it, it's been invaluable!”

We hope that this is the start or a new life for Nicola and thank her for sharing her journey with us.!

About us: 

Better Off Finance is offering residents of the Liverpool City Region who are currently unemployed (although don't have to be claiming benefits), a bespoke programme of support. This support will be provided at a local community venue or at home if a participant prefers.

Each participant will be linked up with their own key worker who will support them to:

• Improve their financial capability through 1-2-1 support and group work

• Access employability sessions within the programme

• Access a Level 2 Accredited ‘Money Mentor’ opportunity

• Progress into training and education opportunities

• Prepare and progress into sustainable employment.

Please contact us via our Facebook or Twitter pages to make a referral or for further information.

Better Off Finance is a program jointly funded by The Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative