Financial Inclusion

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

Of those who have been worried, the most common signs include changes in mood and temperament trouble sleeping, and being anxious, stressed or lacking in confidence to contact the bank.

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 which we have incorporated into MECC Link.

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 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 Money Helper offers 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 website has information on different sources of borrowing, 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 £1,000s each year, would you like some helpful information on managing your money?

Budgeting | MoneyHelper

For Debt and Borrowing

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

Help with bills and payments | MoneyHelper

Would you like further information on free and recommended debt advice services 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.

Dealing with debt | MoneyHelper

Act

National Support Services

Money Helper

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government

  • Advice and guides to help improve your finances
  • Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
  • Support over the phone and online

Tel: 0800 011 3797

Web: 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

Tel: 03444 111 444

Web: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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.

Tel: 0808 808 4000

Web: https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange helps change the lives of thousands of people every week. Their expert advice is impartial and personalised to each individual situation.

Tel: 0800 138 1111

Web: https://www.stepchange.org/

PayPlan

PayPlans supportive, non-judgemental team of advisers help thousands of people beat their debts every year, and treat all of their calls with the strictest confidence.

Tel: 0800 280 2816

Web: 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.

Tel: 0800 043 40 50

Web: 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.

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

Local Support and Contact Details