Money Support Monthly July: Supporting you through Summer!

Supporting you through Summer

June has been a super busy month for the Money Support Service, with 200 referrals for support – double what we saw in April.

The LHP Hardship Fund was launched in April and has supported 20 customers over the last 3 months, giving out a total of £4,589 in vouchers. One customer was really struggling as she had to travel some distance to work so she had high expenses for the travel costs, we provided her with some vouchers to help and she said:

“Thank you so much Andrew I have received the vouchers. It has took a lot of pressure off me for my family for food. As you know most of my wages go on my car and bills so this is one massive help for my family thank you once again”

We’re pleased to have assisted 20 individuals though the LHP Hardship Fund so far, and encourage anyone needing support to contact the Money Support Service.

Expert Tips & Tricks: Summer Holidays Survival Guide

With school summer holidays about to start, Money Saving Expert has got a useful summer holidays survival guide, whether you are going abroad, vacationing in this country or just looking for deals on days out to amuse the kids.

Money Saving Tip of the Month: Grab a free fiver at ASDA!

If you haven’t downloaded the ASDA Rewards app yet, ASDA are offering a “first scan bonus” of £5 when you download the app and sign up. Once you have the app, you’ll see an area called ‘Missions’, where you’ll find one called the ‘First Scan Bonus’. Use this and scan on your next shop (there’s no minimum spend), and £5 will be added to your rewards pot, ready for your next visit!

Meet the Money Support Team: Ann Maggs MBE

Starting this month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the members of the Money Support Service you might meet if contacting them, and the amazing work they do. This month, we’re meeting Ann Maggs MBE, Benefits Officer.

Q: Hi Ann! So, tell us, what inspired you to become a Money Support Advisor?

A: I’ve always had a knack for helping people and giving advice, which was initially honed during my time at Citizens Advice. I’ve held numerous roles over the years, but once I stumbled upon the role of a Money Support Advisor, it felt like the perfect fit. I’ve been passionate about this job since day one, and the opportunity to help people receive what they’re entitled to is a source of constant joy. I’m really lucky and couldn’t be happier with my role.

Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role at the Money Support Service?

A: The most rewarding aspect of my job is undoubtedly the ability to make a difference in someone’s life. The satisfaction derived from helping people overcome their financial struggles is unparalleled. It’s fulfilling to know that I’m impacting lives in a positive way every day.

Q: How would you describe a typical day at work? What are some of the challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?

A: With the ongoing cost of living crisis, my day is usually packed with helping people navigate their financial issues. With the recent expansion of the Money Support Team and the introduction of the Hardship Fund, we’ve been able to help more people. While managing the stream of people seeking help and balancing various grant funding schemes can be taxing, the fulfilment derived from the job outweighs these challenges.

Q: If you were to explain to someone struggling financially about how the Money Support Service can make a difference in their life, what would you say?

A: At the Money Support Service, we help by first looking at your income and expenditure. We identify opportunities to maximize your income through potential benefits and grant applications. We provide guidance on budgeting and managing money, and we can even direct you to Citizens Advice for debt-related issues. Our ultimate aim is to provide a pathway to financial stability.