Kim's Confidence Is Back On Track

Finding the confidence to start a job hunt after a long period of unemployment can be a struggle especially when lacking the knowledge on how to cope financially in the working world. This is how Kim Williams, who wanted to get back into the working world felt. Feeling scared to step back into employment, Kim's confidence felt knocked and she knew she needed to do something about it.  

Trying her best to keep up with her rent after she had been hit by the benefits cap, Kim was struggling to budget and built up rent arrears, after being unemployed for over a year she approached a citizen’s advice information session who told Kim about Better Off Finance and that’s when her life changed.

Attending six sessions with her dedicated key worker, she was supported in understanding her current finances better and even had help with her built up rent arrears. The key workers were able to talk Kim through the process of applying for a discretionary housing payment and she was awarded £677.63, which helped to clear up her rent arrears but also calmed her fears of falling into debt.

The thought of entering employment can leave the fear of  dread in some people which is down to not having a real understanding of your new income and having worries that your earning will still leave you struggling to pay rent and bills. To help overcome this fear, Kim was given advice and support to understand how a working income could support her and how budgeting her income could allow her to maintain financially stable.

“Before I was unsure on almost everything but now that I have had it explained properly and less technically I’m feeling I have better knowledge of things. I didn’t think I was good enough for work but now know that nothing is impossible. Before I feared starting work after so long but now I’m back in work and loving it”

Kim has now decided to start job hunting with the new-found confidence she has got from attending Better Off Finance and now has more knowledge about the hours she can work to be better off.

Thanks for sharing your story Kim, we're so happy Better Off Finance has helped you to improve your confidence and knowledge of income!

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