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 

My Turn: This is Your Time to Think About You!

Working as part of the Better off Finance Programme were excited to introduce you all to our new 2-day programme of personal development, My Turn!

The My Turn Programme will provide the opportunity for you to take time out for yourself and think about ‘What’s next?’

 Across the sessions My Turn will have you looking at 

✅ Building your confidence

✅ Overcoming your barriers

✅  Your Skills and Qualities

✅ Driving your assertiveness

The programme offers you the opportunity to attend both days or just one day. 

Day 1 – Think, Believe and Achieve

 Will focus on different strategies you can use to become more confident and assertive and looks at:

·         Thinking of your positive achievements 

·         Becoming an effective thinker

·         Becoming more assertive

Day 2 – Positive Next Steps 

Will help you understand how to identify and take your next steps and looks at:

·         Identifying your barriers

·         Setting your goals

·         Using job search techiques

By attending the programme, My Turn could give you access to a specialist key worker who can help with taking goals further. Key Workers are specialists in financial capability, helping people understand more about their finances and personal needs whilst working towards these goals.  

You will also have the opportunity to attend accredited training through the Money Mentor scheme. The scheme offers guidance and training in order to go on and help other people with financial advice and support.

Dates are available in various locations around the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, Halton, St Helens). This programme is open to men and women who are currently out of work. 


To book onto the programme or for more information call us on 0151 706 8111 or email us hello@thewo.org.uk

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 

Shannon Is Prepped For Living Independently

Here at Better Off Finance we’re always happy when our programme is suggested to people in need of financial support, especially by other projects who are supporting people to better themselves, and that was the case recently with one of our participants Shannon who heard about our programme through Talent Match, a project helping her explore employment options.

One in six young people in the UK spend at least 6 months out of education, work or training and this is how Shannon found herself when she left school. Unsure with what she wanted to focus on in the future and with desires to move out of her family home and gain her own independence it was time for her to learn the essentials on how to manage personal budgets, something which Better Off Finance key workers specialise in.

People under 35 wanting to move out are often dubbed "generation rent" and being unable to get on the property ladder leaves 41% of 21-35 year olds still living at home, due to simply not being able to afford to move out. Shannon was able to understand the issues she may face by having a dedicated key worker covering a range of topics such as debt, saving money, and personal budgeting.  

“I found the sessions extremely useful as I was totally unaware of how to budget or what bills to expect when leaving home”

The average price of living at home with parents in the UK is said to be around £1,584 per year, which is just a drop in the ocean compared to living independently. Moving out and living independently can throw up all sorts of unexpected living costs and like many young people Shannon was unaware of the hidden costs of paying water bills or being legally obliged to pay for a TV license.

Introducing Shannon to budgeting apps that could be accessed through a phone has become useful in her day to day life and has made her aware of the little things that could save you cash like the amount of money she spends on coffee from Costa and Starbucks every year.

“Being shown how to use the budgeting apps were really great, it has made me more aware of my spending and what I can try and do to cut back in the future”

Shannon felt that the one to one support helped her have more awareness of financial issues, increasing her confidence regarding her finances on leaving home. Along with her abilities to budget she has also gained confidence about going into employment and through the support from Better Off Finance and Talent Match has gone on to secure employment in retail.

“I would highly recommend this programme to anyone else, I felt very supported and I think skills like this should have been taught at school”

Congratulations to Shannon on her new job and thanks very much for sharing your story! We hope you continue to have a bright future ahead!

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 

Tilly Is Now A Savvy Shopper After Better Off Finance Support

We’re back with another brilliant success story from our Better Off Finance Programme. Our key workers around the Liverpool City Region have been offering support to help individuals improve their financial capability and offer guidance on how to move their lives forward.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tilly, a 37-year-old woman living with her Partner and son who started on the Better Off Finance programme in February 2017. Tilly was part of the first Better Off Finance group and completed several financial capability sessions with H Panayiotou and James Calloway at Wirral Citizens Advice.

Tilly joined the project to improve her financial capability knowledge and told us that since joining the course, she has become much more savvy with her money. She has switched energy supplier and understands more about the process of switching. She has also saved money on her water bill and feels much more confident shopping around for better deals. Overall, she has made several savings, £200 a year on her water bill, £200 a year on car insurance, £360 a year on her energy bills!! 

Tilly is now using the website mySupermarket on a weekly basis, shopping around for better deals on food and understanding the process of fluctuating food costs. At one of the sessions she had completed a sheet of non-essential spending and discovered that her £20 a week takeaway habit was costing the family over £1,000 a year.

“I always buy the ingredients to make my own takeaway foods now, I’m so much more savvy when shopping”

Tilly said the project has helped her to improve her confidence and self-esteem. On finishing her courses, she went on to volunteer for Better Off Finance project, helping within the group sessions and supporting new participants attending the sessions. 

She also started job searching and after a successful application, Tilly recently secured a part time role as a level one advisor for the 'Ask Us Wirral' service at Citizens Advice Wirral.  This is incredible considering that she told us 'without the support of Better off Finance I would not have even THOUGHT about applying for these kind of jobs'. 

Tilly has certainly been on an incredible journey and is proof that with the right support, and the confidence to put yourself forward for opportunities, things can really turn around. A big thank you to her for sharing her experience with Better Off Finance!

Update: Tilly was recently featured in the Daily Mirror about starting her journey as a volunteer with Wirral Citizens Advice which you can read about here! Great news Tilly!

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 

No Worries for Neil After Support From Better Off Finance!

Our key workers have been busy developing personal programmes of support for those dealing with financial worries. 

Whether it’s housing problems or personal debts, any type of financial stress can be a dreadful burden for people to deal with alone. And that’s where Better Off Finance can help. 

We support anyone living in Liverpool City Region deal with financial worries and build the skills to manage their money more effectively. As well as this, our team can help you consider your employment opportunities or access training.

But the best part of Better Off Finance, is celebrating the success stories that come from it. We met Neil ….

Why did you decide to get support from Better Off Finance?

To help me manage my income better

What support did you receive?

I learnt how to categorise my spending in order of necessary, important and frivolous

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

It made me understand better how we could minimise our spending – i.e. using my bike more instead of the bus etc.

Describe how your circumstances have changed since receiving support?

I have gained employment which I will be starting next month. Until then, I am living more frugally

What was the best thing about Better Off Finance?

Money saving tips

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

Yes – do it

Are you now accessing any training/employment opportunities as a result of the programme?

Yes, I have a new job starting next month

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

No

A big thank you to Neil for sharing his 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 

New Dates! Drop-In and Meet a Money-Saving Expert at 54 St James Street!

Are you unemployed (don’t have to be claiming benefits)?

Do you want to save money on your household bills, maximise your benefit entitlement or need help accessing employment and training opportunities?

We can help you! 

Following on from last year, for one day each month Better Off Finance will running drop-in sessions at Liverpool city centre location, 54 St James Street, to help you get the most for your money!

You are invited to come along and speak to them about anything money related, or job related, that may be on your mind!

The drop-in sessions will be happening on the following dates…

Thursday 27th September 2018

Thursday 25th October 2018

Thursday 29th November 2018

Thursday 27th December 2018

All from 9am-1pm, at 54 St James Street, Liverpool, L1 0AB

The Better Off Finance team are trained experts and will be able to give your support and advice on all manner of issues such as…

• Dealing with money issues
• Building your skills and confidence to manage money in the future
• Explore your options when looking to get back into work
• Help you access training 

So! If you would like to drop in and speak to one of the team, all conversations are private and confidential, and you won’t have to wait in a queue either!

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 

Fred Turns Over a New Leaf After Accessing Support From Better Off Finance

Having launched earlier this year, our team have been busy out in the community offering advice and support to participants of Better Off Finance and experiencing first-hand just how the programme is changing lives. 

If you don’t know, Better Off Finance is a personal programme that provides support to those in Liverpool City Region facing financial challenges or seeking employment opportunities. 

We decided to shine a spotlight on some of the fantastic success stories that have come from Better Off Finance to share with you. First off, we sat down with Fred to find out more about his experience .. 

Why did you decide to get support from Better Off Finance?

I was referred by the Job Centre for help and assistance with my money worries, as I was struggling to afford my household bills.

What support did you receive? 

Ongoing support from my caseworker whenever I need it. I’ve had multiple trust funds submitted and received energy vouchers to top up my meters.

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

I can stay on top of my bills by keeping track of my money and knowing where my money goes enabling me to afford food. I can have showers again as I have now got hot water through a British Gas Voucher. 

Describe how your circumstances have changed since receiving support?

I have a greater understanding of my finances and where my money is being spent. I also know more of what’s available for me in the St Helens area and how to access this support.

What was the best thing about Better Off Finance?

Referrals to other places to receive specific help and assistance for different things. I have started applying the tips my caseworker gave me to better manage my money. 

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

I would highly recommend it to them. Better Off Finance can only help you. There is no commitment besides what you want to take from the programme. 

Are you not accessing any training/employment opportunities as a result of the programme?

I am working with Learn Direct to support me with job searching and CV writing.

A big thank you to Fred for sharing his 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