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