Meet Simon: A Fresh Start

After spending ten years in prison, Simon was in financial difficulties and having to rely on family for help. Read how support from Better Off Finance got him back on his feet.

Leaving prison after a lengthy sentence presents many difficulties; one of the most common and most challenging surrounds money and finances. Many offenders are already in debt upon entering the prison system, and this situation is often made worse while they are incarcerated (creditors can also take action even if someone is in prison), meaning that upon release, their financial situation is often very unstable. This makes people more likely to reoffend in order to pay off debt and provide an income: The Ministry of Justice found that 67% of ex-prisoners who slept rough went on to commit another crime within a year.

Upon his release from prison after 10 years, Simon* was left homeless and had to resort to sleeping on his son’s couch. With no accommodation of his own or even any clothes, Simon was having to rely on his son for very basic supplies, knocking his confidence and leaving him feeling low. His probation officer referred him to the Better Off Finance programme to support him in getting back on his feet.

His Key Worker helped Simon apply for housing, and also successfully obtained a grant to allow him to buy a bed and clothing for when he moved into his own home. He told us: ‘I am now more comfortable having a bed to sleep in and don’t feel untidy anymore. This has boosted by self-respect and confidence.’

While in prison, Simon had undertaken many courses to boost his qualifications, and upon release decided he wanted to work towards his forklift qualification. He successfully secured his CSCS qualification, which allows him to work on building sites, and means he is one step closer to his goal of becoming a forklift instructor.

Support from Better Off Finance and his Key Worker have allowed Simon to get on the right track for a brighter future. His job search is ongoing, but he is hopeful that he will find employment in the near future.

He said: ‘The Better Off Finance programme has been extremely helpful in my small step back to my own independence and moving forward.

‘It is a very supportive programme, my Key Worker was friendly and approachable, and I would recommend it to anyone needing assistance in changing their situation. [Better Off Finance] has given me my confidence back.’

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 programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative.

Meet Amanda: Making a positive change

This month, we caught up with Amanda*, one of our clients who has been involved with the Better Off Finance programme.

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

I was referred to the Better Off Finance programme by RAISE – a charity that helps housing association tenants with advice. I’m unable to work because I have a long-term health condition that affects my breathing, and I live with my son, who I support single-handedly.

What support did you receive whilst on the programme?

I had a Better Off Finance Key Worker that would offer me one to one support. When I came to the programme, I had water, gas and electricity debts, which I was struggling to clear. My Key Worker helped with issues around debt, helped me to access the benefits that I was entitled to, and provided welfare rights advice.

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

The support has made a massive difference to both myself and my son who lives with me, but also to my other family members who have been part of my daily care/living.

Describe how your circumstances have changed since receiving this support?

The worry and stress of long-standing debts and money matters has been lifted. All these things were contributing to my illnesses and my quality of life. I am in a much better place in life mentally. My daily living has improved because of the help I have received.

What was the best thing about Better Off Finance?

The one to one support I have received has been fantastic, these are services I would otherwise have not been able to access. Without this help, I was overwhelmed with debt issues and unaware of the benefits I was entitled to, with their support these issues have been overcome.

What would you say to someone else who was thinking about accessing the support from Better Off Finance?

I would (and have!) strongly advise and recommend this service to other people in a similar situation to mine. The support I’ve received from my Key Worker and the programme has been second to none.

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

This service is invaluable, the key workers do a fantastic job helping people very often in desperate situations, they are absolute angels for people like myself and their support, help and guidance helps turn people’s lives around!

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 programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative.

Meet Ana: A Life-changing Journey

When Ana* approached Citizen’s Advice, she had just been granted refugee status after living in the UK as an asylum seeker. Ana had fled her home country with her four daughters two years previously, when her life became under threat; like many asylum seekers, Ana and her children were all suffering from PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. 

Her status as an asylum seeker meant that she was unable to work, access healthcare or permanent accommodation while she waited for her refugee application to be processed, meaning she had been living in ‘limbo’ for two years.

Shortly after being meeting with her Better Off Finance Key Worker, Ana moved into her own social housing, and was massively struggling with her finances due to being hit by the benefit cap. Her Key Worker set to work on obtaining the correct benefits for Ana, and also successfully applied for a series of grants, including the Citizen Support Scheme and Merseyside Holiday Fund.

Ana’s Key Worker tried to get Ana’s qualification from her home country transcribed, but as the certificate was incomplete, this proved impossible; they instead had to look at her doing another course, which cost £1500. Her Key Worker approached the European Social Fund manager for Liverpool, who agreed an application of £750 towards the course costs, as well as Ana’s social landlord, who agreed to pay for the remainder through a funding charity. She now has a diploma, which allows her to apply for jobs in the UK.

Since taking part in the Better Off Finance programme, Ana’s mental health has hugely improved. She said:

‘The changes to me and my life have been so great since I started getting support, it has affected my whole life and my family’s.

‘A year ago, I was depressed, and I felt buried with my mental health and life circumstances, but today, I’m applying for jobs and going to interviews. The emotional and psychological improvement is remarkable, and attending self-confidence and finance management courses has been absolutely great.

‘No words can show my appreciation for everything my Key Worker has done for me and my family. I feel more hopeful for the future and I feel confident with her by my side that my life and the lives of my four girls will definitely be better’.

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 programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative.

A Brighter Future: Carrie's Story

When Carrie* approached Better Off Finance, she was at a difficult point in her life. Having suffered with anxiety and depression for a number of years, 26-year-old Carrie’s confidence and self-esteem had taken a beating; she was struggling to find a job, and had found that many of the organisations she had approached in the past were never quite the right fit for her. 

‘I was referred to Better Off Finance by the Jobcentre. I wasn’t very optimistic at first, I was at my lowest point and I didn’t think anything or anyone would be able to help me moving forward.’

Carrie isn’t alone: around 19.7% of people in the UK suffer with anxiety or depression according to the Mental Health Foundation, and it can have a debilitating effect on their lives. Feelings of hopelessness can impact relationships, work, and physical health, which creates what feels like an inescapable cycle. Coping with anxiety and depression makes it difficult for sufferers to deal with many things in life, and can mean small tasks sometimes seem completely overwhelming and impossible.

Battling through these feelings, Carrie agreed to meet with a Better Off Finance Key Worker. She was instantly reassured. Her Key Worker worked with Carrie to create a support package, focusing on improving her mental health and overcoming the barriers posed by her low self-esteem and confidence.

‘My advisor went above and beyond for me and was always on hand to support me through the difficult time I was having… I learned some simple breathing techniques to help me through difficult moments, and I was referred to several different organisations to help with my mental health.’

From there, Carrie and her Key Worker did lots of practical work around job searching and employability development. With support and encouragement from her Key Worker, as well as attending a self-esteem course, Carrie’s confidence began to blossom. She began to believe in herself and recognise the skills that she had, and began to apply for jobs that she would have previously felt were way out of her reach. Today, Carrie is employed full-time at a call centre for a law firm, something which she never could have imagined a few months ago.

‘I feel the support that I was given has made me a more rounded person and has made me believe in myself more. I am now able to contribute to the family financial pot and this has improved the family dynamic. I know now that I am capable person, and I have a lot of skills and qualities to offer any employer.’

For anyone considering getting in touch with Better Off Finance, Carrie’s wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it, giving special thanks to her Key Worker.

‘The best thing by far about the project was having that one-to-one support from my advisor. She always kept her promises and encouraged me on so many levels to achieve my aims and objectives. I know I still have a long way to go regarding my future career, but I feel now I have a good foundation in developing a happy life for me moving forward.’

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 programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative.

Meet Katie: Struggling With Benefit Caps

Katie was struggling with money after her splitting from her husband and having to cover the cost of housing alone. Not knowing how to improve her situation, she approached Better Off Finance, and is now on top of her finances.

Katie got in touch with Better Off Finance (BOF) after being referred by the Citizens Advice. A full-time mum-of-four, Katie’s eldest child was awaiting heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart, and her youngest was also being monitored for cardiac difficulties. Katie’s marriage had broken down in 2017, after her husband was unable to cope with their children’s ongoing health problems. While he still maintains a good relationship with the children, Katie was going it alone.

Katie was struggling with money due to the cap imposed on housing benefits, which meant only £24 of her £78-per-week rent was covered – a common issue since the cap was introduced in 2013. Lack of money had caused Katie to fall into debt to cover housing costs, which had mounted up to £2,800. At the time of approaching Citizen’s Advice, her washing machine was leaking, but with no disposable income to replace it, Katie had to make do.

Official data obtained by housing charity Shelter in September 2019 found that around 370,000 low-income households renting privately struggle financially, as housing benefits fall so far behind rental costs due to the benefit cap. The average monthly shortfall now stands at £113, putting many families at risk of poverty and homelessness.

Through Better Off Finance, Katie was assigned a Key Worker, who sat down and helped her work through her financial issues. Her Key Worker identified that Katie wasn’t receiving all of the benefits to which she was entitled, such as Disability Living Allowance for her eldest child. She was also assigned a Discretionary Housing Payment, and received a grant to purchase a new washer-dryer; she has now been referred to the debt advice team, who are helping her work out what debt-repayment options are open to her.

Since accessing support through Better Off Finance, Katie’s situation has improved. Her finances have become more stable, and the new washing machine has lightened her load at home. She said:

“I am feeling more optimistic and confident and know that my situation will continue to improve… The best thing is seeing the same person and knowing you can turn to them whenever issues arise.”

Katie has now begun a Level 2 Mental Health course, and is starting to feel more confident in herself. She said she’s grateful for the support she’s received from Better Off Finance, and to anyone thinking about accessing support, she would definitely recommend it!

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 programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative

John turns his life around with Better Off Finance

 There’s nothing worse than feeling out of control. When life begins to take a downward turn, the resulting domino effect can cause breakdowns of relationships, businesses, and ultimately, mental health.

62-year-old John’s* life began to spiral after his business began to fail. At the same time, his marriage started to disintegrate; due to the stress and anxiety he was under, he eventually became alcohol dependent, disengaged from his family, and withdrew from society, rarely leaving the house and neglecting to care for himself. As matters worsened and his mental health deteriorated, John began to suffer from suicidal thoughts.

Alcoholism and mental health issues often go hand in hand - people with mental health issues are twice as likely to develop alcohol dependency than the rest of the population. While many use it to numb negative feelings, in the long run alcohol greatly contributes to stress, anxiety and depression, meaning sufferers become trapped in an inescapable cycle of trying to treat a problem with the very thing that is causing it.

John was put in touch with the Better Off Finance programme by his housing association, who were assisting him in finding a cooker and using food banks. His situation had deteriorated to the point where he realised he needed help: he lived alone in a four bedroomed house, and found himself unable to deal with everyday matters. John came to the decision himself that he wanted to turn his life around and become alcohol-free, and so reached out for support.

Through Better Off Finance, John was assigned a Key Worker, who provided 1-2-1 support throughout his journey. During this period, John managed to clear his water arrears and create a new payment plan for future bills; he received a new washing machine, as his previous one had fallen into a state of disrepair; he reduced his mobile and TV package, and received support in creating a manageable budget for utility bills and monthly outgoings – something which he has never done before. A further grant has also been applied for to top up John’s current income while he is getting back on his feet.

As a result of the support from Better Off Finance and his Key Worker, things have been looking up for John. After getting his new washing machine through Better Off Finance and a new cooker from his housing association, he has started taking care of his appearance and eating healthily, which has had a huge positive impact on his wellbeing. In turn, this has led to him reaching out to his family and spending time with his grandchildren – along with support from a substance misuse charity, contact with his family has been a massive encouragement in his journey to becoming sober.

The change in John is clear: he’s more confident and sure of himself, and is managing independently. He’s recently gained a qualification in First Aid, something which he could never have imagined doing a few months ago.

He said: ‘The support and encouragement from my Key Worker has been amazing, and I can’t thank he enough for just listening and understanding my situation. I would urge anyone to access this service. It has been invaluable to me in realising that there is help if you want it, and it has started to build my confidence and self-respect back to what it used to be’.

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 programme jointly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative

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

Becky Takes First Steps Towards a Positive Future

After fleeing her partner due to domestic violence, Becky was left struggling with her household budget and was now living alone in a property with her young daughter, panicked by income deductions. 

Having built up rent arrears due to moving over to Universal Credit, Becky was desperate for support after her second-hand home appliances had become faulty and since she wasn’t able to afford to replace them, it started to cause her physical and mental health conditions. 

Becky told us “I tried attending a number of places to get help with my appliances, eventually I came across Citizens Advice who referred me to the Better Off Finance team, if it wasn’t for them, I would have given up”

Through receiving 1-2-1 support from a key worker, She was able to start understanding Universal Credit, record her income and expenditure and crucially have support to apply for grants to replace her appliances. 

“Life has been made easier for me and my daughter and feel like I know how to approach situations now. I’m more confident asking about things and not worrying about getting turned away”

The programme has helped Becky secure £695 worth of grants to replace her appliances which has started to make life for her and her daughter a lot easier. Now ready to begin a fresh chapter in her life, She now has the skills to budget and has started to recommend the programme to her family. 

If you're on a low income and you're struggling with living costs, you can read more about what support you could have access to over at Citizens Advice:

 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/if-youre-struggling-with-living-costs/

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 National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative

Understanding Benefits: Angela's Journey

In 2016/17, over £10 billion in benefits went unclaimed, meaning Britain’s poorest individuals and families were living below minimum standards. Amongst those unclaimed payments were income related employment and support allowance (ESA) and income support and housing benefits.

Looking for the reason people fail to claim benefits can be difficult, with broad factors being identified such as the effectiveness of the benefit, lack of awareness of the benefits available, application procedures and the stigma of receiving benefits.

Sometimes the barrier to getting the right benefits is having the support to properly understand what steps need to be taken next.

Better Off Finance key workers support individuals to understand their benefits, making sure that they are getting everything that they are entitled to. During a recent visit to Life Rooms, 60-year-old Angela was informed about the support available through her local Citizens Advice. Looking for support to gain more confidence and financial support, she signed up with Better Off Finance and met her key worker – Louise.

Through 1-2-1 support, Angela was able to start working through her money issues, along with getting support to improve her mental health. Not having worked since her 20’s, Angela was the primary carer for her parents who passed away within a year of each other, having a major impact on her health that left her hospitalised.

After losing several appeals for ESA support group and PIP,  her key worker Louise helped her to fill out forms and accompany her at meetings to make her feel more comfortable. She was able to be successfully reassessed and has now been given standard rate care PIP giving her an additional disability premium on top of ESA payments. Angela told us: “My income has gone from £102 per week to £253 per week and now I can manage my bills a lot better. Louise also helped me get warm home discount which reduces my electricity bill by £140 per year”

Now that Angela has an increased income, her anxiety levels have been improved along with her confidence “My confidence has grown a little, even though I’m still not well, I now can spot the signs and go back to my psychiatrist if I need to”

She’s now attending a writing group and has recently had her poems published, something which she puts down to her new found confidence.

Thanks to her increase in income, Angela is now able to worry less about the money she's got coming in and focus more on improving her mental health. Many vulnerable people still live on the poverty line today due to not knowing what they are entitled. You can check what benefits you're entitled to at your local Citizens Advice 

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 National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative

Forced to Work: Tackling Modern Day Slavery

If you hear about slavery, you would probably think about the exploitation of human rights that was abolished in the 19th century, but in fact, slavery still exists today. It’s hard to accept that this practice is still a reality all over the world, with an estimated 40.3 million people in modern day slavery. 

Modern day slavery can take shape in many forms, from being forced to work, being owned or controlled by an ‘employer’ to being physically constrained without freedom of movement. It affects people of any age, race or gender but most commonly those who are vulnerable are being taken advantage of. Originally from Eastern Europe, Karl approached his local Citizens Advice to get support settling back into the community after being a victim of trafficking into the UK. 

Forced into illegal practices and made to work in a car wash for little or no pay, Karl had spent 7 years living in squalor with physical and mental abuse before being rescued by police intervention and brought to a safe house by the Salvation Army. 

After visiting Citizens Advice for a food voucher, it was quickly established that Karl could benefit from extra support with finding full time employment and managing a budget. Due to Karl’s status in the UK as a job seeker he was unable to claim any benefits, meaning it was vital for him to find employment to support himself.

Since enrolling onto the programme, the key workers over at Citizens Advice have been able to support Karl to update his CV and apply for potential jobs. The programme was able to support him to understand contracts, and secure expenses for clothing. 

The Key Worker also spoke to him about the courses he would have access to during Better Off Finance. Karl completed the My Turn training to build his confidence and went onto receive an accredited qualification for attending the Money Mentor ‘Become a Savvy Consumer’ training. 

Often struggling with feeling alone and isolated that has impacted on his overall health, Karl has relished working in a group environment with people who have been supportive and empathised with his situation, he said: “Since I’ve engaged on the project my confidence has increased. The project has given me so much practical support but has also restored my faith in human nature with welcoming smiles and people’s willingness to listen”

Since completing the programme, Karl is now engaged in full time employment and is looking forward to his future.

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 National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative

Sarah Controls Her Finances Thanks To Better Off Finance

Sometimes it’s the simple changes that can make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to our finances. Getting the ball rolling when starting to budget can be difficult but in the long term can have a huge impact on how you spend. Our key workers at Better Off Finance are experts in knowing what changes can be made to start the journey to a positive debt free future. 

Struggling with her budget and looking to get a better understand of her money and the ways she could save, Sarah approached citizens advice Wirral where she found out all about how the Better Off Finance programme could improve her financial savviness.

Sitting down with Sarah, she looked at the simple changes that can be made like looking at gas/electric comparisons, looking at contents insurance to make sure household personal possessions are fully covered for repairing or replacing and we looked at opening a credit union account.

Sarah is now in control of her debt: “I am more positive, happy and confident knowing my finances are under control and being managed better with the amount I can afford to pay”

Alongside receiving financial advice she has been able to meet new people and also get some great tips on how to save for the future. “I think people should really think about coming onto the programme, I like how talking about finances isn’t made scary or serious and the group can have a good laugh whilst doing it”

Since attending the programme, she will now be going on to volunteer at Wirral point in Birkenhead as a receptionist.

“The Key Worker who ran the programme was brilliant at delivering the contents and information, extremely friendly and was easy to approach”

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 National Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative

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