Danielle Can See a Clear Future Thanks to Better Off Finance

Worrying about debts piling up and having just had her benefits sanctioned, Danielle was told about the Better Off Finance Programme in Halton Citizens Advice and decided it was time she took control of her finances and gave it a go.

Recently, we spoke about how debt can have detrimental effect on a person’s mental health and how it can make a person’s behaviour to change dramatically during the period of poor health. Feeling vulnerable due to mental health, Danielle felt she was unable to engage with the working programmes she had been sent on by the Job Centre leaving her to live on just £277 per month and was struggling to make ends meet.  

Being able to sit down one to one and engage with a Better Off Finance key worker meant that Danielle was able to figure out ways to increase her income and take the appropriate actions that saw her sanctions removed which has left her with a much better outlook on life:

“My mental health and relationship with my 12-year-old son has improved since going through the programme due to having more money coming into the family”

Completing the programme full of confidence, she now engages with work programmes to help her into employment and recently completed an employability course with Riverside.

“I really liked the one to one support and being able to have direct contact with my key worker, Gill. It’s really helped my confidence and I was so glad to get help with my sanction”

Struggling with poor mental health for many years, Danielle found it hard to manage her finances and is now able to breathe easier with an increased income and has more knowledge about her universal credit claims online.

“I have so much more confidence than before! I would definitely recommend it as I can now see a future for me and my son. I really want to get into work, and now I can start to think about it as I’m starting to manage my debts.”

Thanks to Danielle for sharing her story, we're excited about what your future holds. 

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

My Turn is Back with New Dates Available

Early in the year we introduced you to our new course ‘My Turn’. The 2-day personal development journey that is helping residents in the Liverpool City Region say hello to their confidence and help them knock down those barriers to change and now were happy to announce that we’re back!

We’ve just released new dates in various locations around the Liverpool City Region, we have a location that will be available for you!

📍 Citizens Advice Wirral - 3rd & 19th December 2018

    237-243 Liscard Rd, Wallasey CH44 5TH

📍 Citizens Advice St Helens - 14th & 18th December 2018
    Millennium Centre, Corporation St, Saint Helens WA10 1HJ

📍 Citizens Advice Wavertree - 30th November & 5th December 2018
    242 Picton Rd, Liverpool L15 4LP

📍 Citizens Advice Garston - 20th & 27th November 2018
    2 Speke Rd, Garston, Liverpool L19 2PA

📍 Citizens Advice Sefton - 4th & 5th December 2018
    297 Knowsley Rd, Bootle L20 5DF

📍 Citizens Advice Halton - 15th & 22nd November 2018
    Grosvenor House, Halton Lea, Runcorn WA7 2HF

📍 Citizens Advice Knowsley - 5th & 12th December 2018
    Kirkby Job Centre Plus, St. Chads House, L32 8RW

If you’re new to ‘My Turn’ let me tell you what it’s all about. Across 2 sessions, the course will have you looking at various factors in your life that will give you the best boost for the future. You will receive support to:

✅ Build your confidence

✅ Overcome your barriers

✅ Build Your Skills and Qualities

✅ Drive your assertiveness

Each session will focus on the different steps to take for a positive future:

Day 1 – Think, Believe and Achieve will look at strategies that you can use to help you become more confident and assertive

Day 2 – Positive Next Steps will help you to identify barriers hindering your goals and give you the tools to help with future employment searches.

We recently went behind the scenes with our trainer Victoria, to get an insiders peek on the sessions, you can take a look here!

And that’s not all! By attending the programme, you could get access to a specialist key worker who can help with taking your goals even further. Key workers are specialists in financial capability, helping people understand more about their finances and personal needs.

You will also get the opportunity attend accredited training through our Money Mentor programme. The programme offers guidance and training to go out and help others with financial advice and support.

Dates are available in various locations around the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, Halton, St Helens). This programme is open to men and women who are currently out of work. 

To book onto the programme or for more information call us on 0151 706 8111 or email us hello@thewo.org.uk

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.

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 

New Dates Added for Money Mentors Accredited Training!

Are you interested in learning more about managing money / debt, and then helping others to understand more?

You can access accredited training and become a community based Money Mentor. This is an excellent opportunity from the Better Off Finance Programme to access learning on Supporting Universal Credit Claimants.

This two day program is being run at 54 St James Street in the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool.

Supporting Universal Credit Claimants

27th November & 4th December 2018

10 – 3pm

These courses are level 2 accredited and lunch will be provided.

These courses are part of the wider Better Off Finance Programme and attendees must be willing to complete registration to the programme in order to access the training.  Full details of sign up process can be supplied at time of enquiry.

To be eligible for the training and for the programme, participants must live in the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens or Halton) and not in paid employment.

Expenses may be available on request.

What is Better off Finance?

From understanding benefit entitlement to receiving support around managing debts, Better Off Finance is an innovative partnership between The Women’s Organisation, Citizens Advice, and RAISE. The project support residents of Liverpool City Region to improve their financial competency and offer pathways to sustainable employment.  Jointly funded by National Lottery and European Social Fund.

To find out more click here to download the course outline booklet or contact the team: on 0151 706 8111 and hello@thewo.org.uk

Marie Boosts Her Self-Esteem Leaving Her Financially Better Off

The Better off Finance Programme came into Marie’s life, just when she needed it- not only improving her budget but, heightening her confidence to match. 

Struggling with the prospect of several years out of work, Marie's self esteem was interfering with getting back into employment. After previously leaving education with less qualifications than hoped, the only barrier stopping her from retaking these subjects- was herself.

Taking the first positive step, she enrolled on the Better Off Finance Programme after advice to attend from the Citizens Advice. Being able to access this kind of support, she began to enjoy the prospect of starting more courses and reaped the benefits out of each session. Marie completed My Turn And WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) courses, beaming with knowledge and future prospects.

It was fear and confidence that she soon realised was holding her back from taking the necessary first steps towards moving into employment. The prospect of new people and new surroundings would overwhelm Marie, preventing the ambition to feel comfortable in new employment. However, attending programmes was the spring board to meet like minded individuals, potentially struggling with the same fears and troubles.

These programmes became a confidence enhancer, making find her voice and her feet in group settings and new people. In her own words being a woman who didn’t know how to discuss her opinions, embarked in new conversations feeling content and safe to do so.

'Managing me' run by the Next Chapter course, opened Marie’s awareness into herself, and the platform to then set goals and strategies to help manage anxiety. Taking volunteering on twice a week at a food bank and charity shop, she gained tremendous confidence in feeling safe around others, and her skill set continued to grow. 

Taking the small successful steps to slowly gain the confidence and esteem to now be enrolled in study and gain the qualifications that Maria aspires to have. In the mean time accessing support to write a CV and confidently looking for employment.

"Having someone supporting and encouraging me left me feeling like I was able to do things for myself."

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

Better Off Finance Inspires Catharine to Pursue Business Dream

Feeling overwhelmed with the complexity of the benefits system, Catharine used to avoid looking into her finances alone. Now, with support from Better Off Finance Catharine has become financially savvy and confident to start her own business. It seems that for Catharine, the only way is up! 

Having left her teaching job due to illness in 2011, Catharine was unemployed for 7 years and receiving job seekers allowance, feeling unable to progress with her business dream. Joining the Better Off Finance programme gave Catharine the time, space and advice to assess her monthly outgoings and work out where she could become more money-smart.

Better Off Finance programme supports people to improve their financial capability and prepare and progress into sustainable employment, or access training opportunities. Feeling anxious whenever she tried to look in to her finances alone, Better Off Finance ensured Catharine was utilising the support she was eligible for.

With her key worker’s support, Catharine managed to save £100 a month; “I really feel like he has given me tools for life to maximise my income and minimise my outgoings, I always tended to bury my head when it came to this stuff – now I have the confidence to find and negotiate better deals for monthly necessities”.

Regaining control of her personal finances, Catharine felt empowered to begin thinking about employment opportunities and the next step forward. Often the scariest thing about pursing a business-dream is the reality of becoming a business-owner. Catharine knew her passion but didn’t believe she had the enterprise skills or experience to turn that passion into a business – and that’s where Enterprise Hub came in.

Head over to The Women's Organisation blog to hear more of Catharine's story.

If you’d like to find out more about Better Off Finance or Enterprise Hub, contact us on 0151 706 8111 and speak to a member of our Engagement Team.

Could You Become A Money Mentor?

It’s always great to see people putting themselves forward to support others in changing their lives, and that’s exactly what’s happening on our Money Mentors course! Educating yourself to use the skills for greater good is always a rewarding feeling and that’s what our recent Money Mentors graduates at Halton Citizens Advice & 54 St James Street have been doing.

The Level 2 accredited training will encourage participants to go out into their communities and share what they’ve learned, and it’s also something great to add onto your CV!  We asked our recent graduates what they thought of the 2 days they spent learning to become Money Mentors

“I really enjoyed the course because every aspect that was covered was explained well with examples for clarity.  The course facilitator, Jose, was very knowledgeable and presented information in an easy to understand manner. I now have a better understanding of some of the methods of recovering debt and the process of debt recovery.”

Paula and Jennifer recently completed their Level 2 Money Mentors training in 'Being a Savvy Consumer' at 54 St James Street and had some great feedback about the course

“The course has been very valuable, I am more knowledgeable about consumer rights. There is so much I wasn’t aware of” 

“I feel more confident as a consumer now. The course was easy to understand and broke down the jargon. The handouts have been useful for me to refer back to after the course. Getting this certificate will help me with my volunteer application to support job seekers in my local job centre” 

What an amazing achievement, well done everyone and we can't wait to see how you use your new found skills to support and guide your community!

Do you think you could be a Money Mentor?

Money Mentors will be two days training at a local venue and will provide Level 2 accreditation in the following subjects:

• Being a community-based mentor
• Being a savvy consumer
• Supporting Universal Credit Claimants

The subjects will cover topics such as:

• Understand the causes of personal debt
• Understand different attitudes to spending money
• Understand how Universal Credit is made up and which benefits it replaces

We will even pay the travel expenses to get there and provide lunch!

If you think you could become a Money Mentor, then get in touch! to book or for more information you can contact us on 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk

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

John Has Found His Self-Esteem Through Better Off Finance

Health conditions can affect a person at the best of times, but a chronic condition can take a toll on the confidence and security felt day to day. Health conditions can be correlated with mental health conditions, as a lack of physical ability to do everyday tasks can run the risk of adding stress when resulting from your time away from work. John felt he was struggling with his condition affecting his well-being, not just financially but emotionally leading him to seek support. 

John signed up for the Better Off Finance programme, after fears that his confidence and self esteem would affect his employability chances. A physical disability that caused extreme pain to his joints, led to John struggling to leave his home for days at a time, often feeling isolated and anxious. Not afraid of hard work John is extremely intelligent and university educated, fortunately sought support in the next step to help manage his well-being alongside his finances.

He attended every session with enthusiasm and created a network by bonding and supporting the other group members. This gave John the confidence to apply as a volunteer for Citizens Advice and undertake their training programme, helping in the IT department and admin services. The Better Off Finance not only helped John understand how to budget effectively and prevent debt, but also start building his savings alongside. Talking about the programme John said:

“I definitely would encourage people to join the BOF, by explaining from a simple comparison people see where they can save money and understand how they can reduce their carbon footprint through a course which the team have access too.”

The course not only helped John create the confidence in himself to build a savings foundation, it also enabled him to pay for an online course in advanced graphic design that John is excelling. Its hard to imagine for John that dealing with a physical disability, impacting on his mental health, and the struggle scouting work, has managed to see his way through, and now creating new opportunities for himself confidently and successfully!

John went on to say “The friendly and dedicated team always went an extra mile to help out,” and even after he had been exited from the program,

“They still keep in touch, and let me know courses that may help further down the line."

Its great to know that the effects of learning to money manage has lead to the improvement not only of quality of life, but the confidence to create a new future ahead! Thank you, John, for sharing your story!

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

How to Find Volunteer Placements that Work

Volunteering can provide you with skills and knowledge you didn’t even know you wanted to learn. Maybe you did and that’s why you sought volunteering, but the benefits of a placement can be underestimated.

So, you are looking for a new career maybe? Boost your CV? Network?  All of this is possible within volunteering, whilst opportunities may show themselves that you didn’t even know were lurking.

First thing. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Knowing what you want from your volunteer placement is a good start. Do you want it to be within your field, or a complete new experience? Are you wanting to give back to the community or something that will build upon your skill set? Whatever your reasons for applying, know this within yourself and be honest in the process of looking for potential employers. This way you have a foundation of where you want to go.

Do your research. Knowing the companies, you are wanting to apply for and what is out there. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer that can be found on advertising sites such as: Do-it.org, reachvolunteering.org.uk, or other sites that can be found within a simple google search. Whilst some may advertise there may be others who do not, but if you have a place in mind, offer your services! Do not be afraid to approach, send the email or even better show up and ask to speak to someone who may be able to help. There are employers who would be thrilled to have a non-paid worker show up and help so don’t feel discouraged in putting yourself out there!

Don’t be afraid to interview the interviewer- before taking on any role (whether volunteer or otherwise) remember you need to establish whether this is suitable for you as well as for your employer. Taking on a commitment to a new role must both meet your needs as well that of the employers, and it is important to clarify this in the early stage. Have in mind questions you wish to ask to know what to expect from the employer:

“What positions do volunteers normally take?” 

“is there a chance to learn other roles?”

 “What do you expect from your volunteers”

 “What’s the working environment and culture of the company like?”

In return the employer may ask questions to you that you need to be prepared for such as:

“What do you expect from us” 

“Tell me about your work history and how does it relate to volunteering here?” 

“How long is the length of commitment we can expect from you” 

“How many hours a week can you commit”

 “What do you want to achieve within the time that you spend here with us”

These questions, even though they may seem overwhelming, are really telling to see whether they and you are both suitable for working with each other. The one element to have in this process is confidence. Regardless of whether this placement is suitable for you or not, the right one will show whether now or on the next attempt, don’t give up if its something you want. 

When the right one comes along you will have added skills, knowledge and potential pathways that you wouldn’t have found accessible in a more easy, productive way. Good foundations are worth investing in!

Remember to check out reachvolunteering.org.uk and do-it.org, Your next volunteering opportunity is just a click away!

If volunteering is something you would like to explore, talk to your Better Off Finance Key Worker about local routeways to volunteering and how the programme can help.

Better Off Finance is jointly funded by European Social Fund and National Lottery to support those out of work in the Liverpool City Region to improve their financial position and employment opportunities.