‘Lifeline’ scheme delivers £4m income boost for Liverpool City Region residents

A vital lifeline for struggling residents across the Liverpool City Region has provided a much-needed boost, delivering an impressive £4 million income increase to individuals and families facing financial hardship.

The Mind & Money programme, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), launched in 2023 as a three-year initiative.

It was designed to help vulnerable residents tackle the dual challenges of financial instability and personal well-being during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Since then, it has supported hundreds of people to reduce and manage their debt, maximise their income and access essential items.  

The programme is delivered through a network of trusted partners, carefully selected to ensure the service is delivered across diverse communities.

The partners are Pennysmart, Vauxhall Law Centre, and The Women’s Organisation. 

Citizens Advice branches in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. 

This collaborative approach has ensured that individuals receive the tailored support they need to overcome challenges.

Recognising the deep connection between financial stability and mental health, the programme has taken a holistic approach to financial hardship, incorporating confidence training programmes and financial skills teaching through community organisations and charities such as The Women’s Organisation. 

So far over 2500 families and individuals have accessed the following:

• Financial Advice: This includes expert guidance on budgeting, energy bill reduction, debt management, and benefits entitlement.
• Mental Health Support: Access to workshops and counselling to address stress, self-confidence, personal resilience, and financial skills.
• Practical Assistance: Food vouchers, energy debt advice, and support with essential household items.

The impact of the Mind & Money programme is evident in the stories of those it has helped. 

Self-employed father of three Al faced significant financial challenges due to COVID-19 and health issues, resulting in severe depression. The family accumulated energy debt and relied on credit cards. 

They received support for benefits applications, debt, and financial skills. For the first time in years, the family can cover their expenses and have been able to focus on their health.

Al said:

 “I’ve never received support like this before. I don’t know where we’d be without it.”

Likewise, LCR resident Jo was overwhelmed with crippling energy debt in part due to administrative failures by an energy company. Debt Advice referred Jo to the Mind & Money programme via Citizens Advice. 

Jo’s energy debt was reduced to £0 in arrears, and her case worker facilitated a yearly saving of £2159.76 on her energy bill. Jo has been vocal about the impact of the programme on her life.

Jo said:

“The service was a vital crutch that sustained me during a really difficult time in my life.

“I’ve been positively affected with financial and emotional advice and support that served to lift me out of a position of hardship and into a position where I’m ready to take on the challenges the world throws at me.

“I don’t feel that this would’ve been a possibility without the support from Citizens Advice and the Mind & Money project.”

Ryan Smith, Operational Development Lead Citizens Advice St Helens, said: 

“Many people don’t realise the help is out there. They don’t know how to navigate the system and are missing out on the income they are entitled to. The Mind and Money programme has removed barriers for many to access the support they need. The feedback from our clients shows that this has transformed their lives for the better.’ 

By addressing the root causes of financial hardship, the Mind & Money programme is empowering individuals and families to build a brighter future.

The Mind and Money support scheme comes to a close in March 2025.

For more information on how to access the Mind & Money programme, please contact: The Women’s Organisation, germainefryer@thewo.org.uk or call 0151 706 8111.

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