Cost of living support

Overall, nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK adults have been concerned about a friend, family member or colleague’s mental wellbeing, linked to money worries.

Common signs of financial worries can include changes in mood, irritability, trouble sleeping, anxious, stressed, feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn for help. 

You can use the MECC approach to look out for these signs and enable people to access help, guidance and advice on mental health, debt and money management. There is a wide range of guidance available from the Money Helper website. Their details can be found in the ACT section under national services. 

This section also provides local support and contact details for organisations that can help with the cost of living.

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Do you have any worries relating to money, budgeting, borrowing or debt?

For Budgeting

How confident are you about a budget setting, sticking to it and how to save?

Did you know that Money Helper website provides a range of management tips, including how to set up a budget, sticking to it and how to save, would you like some further information on this?

For Debt

Did you know that the Money Helper website offers a range of free advice on anything that you might be struggling to pay for, would you like some information on this?

Did you know that there is lots of free debt advice services available across the UK, would you like further information on these?

For Borrowing

Before borrowing money have you considered if

  • You need to spend the money
  • You have other ways of financing the purchase, and
  • You can afford to pay back the money you’re planning to borrow

If you need to borrow money, have you considered the cost of borrowing and where you would source this from?

The Money Helper service has advice on different sources of borrowing as well as advice on good debt and bad debt, would you like some further information on this?

  • Empathise that its normal to worry about money issues but reassure that there is lots of free help available  - See ACT section for details of other organisations that provide free debt advice

Assist

For Budgeting

Taking the time to manage your money better can really pay off. It can help you stay on top of your bills and save ÂŁ1,000s each year, would you like some helpful information on managing your money?

Beginner's guide to managing your money | MoneyHelper

For Debt and Borrowing

Would you like some information on that could assist you with paying for household bills?

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt/help-if-youre-struggling-with-debt?source=mas#

Would you like some further information on the many different free and recommended debt advice service that are available either nationally or locally? - See Act section

  • Re-assure them that the debt adviser will never judge them or make them feel bad about their situation and that they will work with the person to find way find ways to manage their debts even if they think they have no spare money.
  • Re-assure them that most people who have get debt advice feel less stressed or anxious and more in control of their life again.

Act

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by the government. Providing advice and guides to help improve your finances. They also have tools and calculators to help keep you on track and plan ahead. They provide support over the phone and online, via WhatsApp and Webchat. See their website for more details. 

Telephone: 0800 138 7777

Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Citizens Advice Service

The Citizens Advice Service can help you to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, how to avoid losing your home and how to get your finances back into shape. Citizens Advice also offer advice on Benefits and Tax credits, as it's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to. 

To find your nearest Citizens Advice please click on the link below. Scroll down and enter your postcode or town to get contact details for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Contact us - Citizens Advice

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/

National Debtline

National Debtline has helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk you through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Telephone: 0808 808 4000 

Website: https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange helps change lives, helping you be free from Debt by getting your finances back on track. They will give you debt advice, a personalised plan to deal with your debts, while providing a wide range of debt solutions and services. Their expert advice is impartial and personalised to each individual situation.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111

Website: https://www.stepchange.org/

PayPlan

PayPlan's supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts. They understand the recent cost of living increases will be putting a strain on your finances. They can help in many ways, such as; with contacting people you owe money to and arranging lower payments to make things more affordable.

Their website has tools such as budget calculator's and tips to help you save money help you with budget and plan, to get you back on track. 

Telephone: 0800 280 2816

Website: www.payplan.com

Debt Advice Foundation

Debt Advice Foundation is a national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt.

Telephone: 0800 043 40 50 

Website: http://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/

Credit Unions

Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing. 

They're there to provide a financial community. Credit Unions can help those who can't get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for people grappling with their finances.

Website: https://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/

Christians Against Poverty – CAP

CAP offer free, expert debt help and they will support you all the way to becoming debt free. No matter how large or small your problem is. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s worth it. If CAP is not available in your area you can still other services available to you on their website. You can check if CAP provide support i your area by using their postcode search, follow the link here: CAP UK | Contact us

Telephone: 0800 328 0006

Website: CAP UK | Home

Local Support and Contact Details