Alex Shares Her Journey Towards a Fresh Start

We hope by now you’ve heard the amazing news that our programme of support has been extended for further 2 years. With more time under our belt, we’ve been working harder than ever offering advice and support across the Liverpool City Region to give people a much more positive outlook on their future.

Today we’re shining the spotlight on one of our participants – Alex who has truly committed to the support we’ve offered and continued to progress herself. Alex, who is a single mum to her 4 children had recently left an abusive relationship and was struggling to manage her low income.

We sat down with Alex to find out more about her experience…

How did you get involved with the Better Off Finance Programme?

I first heard about the programme whilst at Sure Start, through the children’s centre I started to engage with a family key worker who felt the support Better Off Finance had on offer could really benefit my way of life.

What support did you receive whilst on the programme?

I would regularly meet with a key worker at Citizens Advice for 1-2-1 support. Mabel helped me secure a £300.00 grant from Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme that gave me support to get food and basic necessities for my family. I was also awarded £200.00 from the biscuit fund.

I’ve been able to get help to get my Universal Credit sanctions removed and my child's Disability Living allowance in place. I was also given advice around budgeting my money and Mabel helped me source a free bicycle from Merseytravel 

In what ways has the support you were given made a difference?

I now have much better living standards. Living in a private rented accommodation in Old Swan, I had poor living conditions and hardly any furniture. The project helped me to source new beds and white goods for my kitchen including a washing machine. Before, hardly having any furniture made it hard for me to feel comfortable in my own home but now I have a sofa and dining room table.

Describe how your circumstances have changed since receiving this support?

Before the programme, I was at the lowest point in my life, depressed and struggling to cope. Now I’m financially stable, have a home in a good condition and have started a job at a dance studio in Liverpool.

What was the best thing about Better Off Finance?

The best thing about the programme was being able to get my bills and finances on a good path.

Are you accessing any further training?

I'm going to be attending the Money Mentors and My Turn training provided by Better Off Finance.

Do you have anything else to add around your experience on the programme?

Mabel and the Better Off Finance Team have changed my life for the better and I’m very happy I took part in the programme.

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 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk to make a referral or for further information.

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