Money mentoring is all about giving service users the support, motivation and guidance to make informed decisions about their daily financial decisions. This encompasses income maximisation, debt support, household budgeting and how to save for emergencies and for occasional treats.
Jane lived in sheltered accommodation, was receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) but was also considered financially vulnerable as often she would spend or give a way her benefit payment as soon as she received it.
Through working with Jane we set her up onto Personal Independence Payment (PIP) where she received slightly more benefit. We supported her in obtaining the correct documentation to open a bank account and accompanied her to do this (she had never had a bank account). Together we worked on how to budget and manage her money and also how to protect her money. Finally we opened a saving account and set up a regular direct debit into this account. This allowed Jane to save up and eventually purchase a mobility scooter that allowed her to get out more and improve the quality of her life.