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.