21567 Mark Calvert

An introduction to our financial inclusion team

Meet our financial inclusion team. Here to help with free, one to one, support with money.

It’s not easy to talk about money

Our financial inclusion team makes it as easy as possible and can help if you find it difficult to make ends meet.

Their specialised training means they can give you free, one-to-one support based on your situation. They can help with:

  • Spending and saving money
  • Claiming benefits
  • Filling in forms
  • Universal Credit journal updates

They will look at your financial situation and offer personalised options. You can have a one-off chat or a regular catch-up to help you keep on top of things.

How to speak with our financial inclusion team

Call us on 0345 141 4663 and ask to be referred to our financial inclusion team.

Or speak with your support worker or housing manager.

They really can help you manage your money

Between 2023 and 2024, the team helped 4,769 customers with their finances.

Overall, our financial support team supported customers to increase their income by over £7.6 million. This consisted of:

  • Customers receiving £1.35 million of lump sum payments
  • Customers annual income increased by £6.28 million

This equates to over £1,600* for each customer.

*on average

Find out how the team help customers, like Jacqueline and Ron.

 

Jacqueline and Ron's story

Jacqueline and Ron from Reading have been working with financial inclusion support worker, Michelle, for help with Universal Credit.

After working hard as a ward clerk for many years, Jacqueline had to reluctantly give up work due to chronic back pain in 2019.

As Ron was on a low wage at the time as a driver, the couple applied for Universal Credit to help them pay for bills but were refused

“We couldn’t believe it when we were told we weren’t entitled to any help. We were so disappointed that Universal Credit didn’t recognise a legitimate claim. We’ve worked our whole lives and when we needed financial help, it wasn't there.”

Michelle, one of Home Group's financial inclusion support workers, soon contacted the couple to offer support.

"Michelle is absolutely wonderful. She began fighting for us immediately, filled out the paperwork and kept pushing until we got results. Without her, we would have been homeless.”

The couple now have much more manageable bills, and Michelle continues to help with paperwork. And with their financial worries in hand, Ron has turned his attention to the local community.

“I became involved in collecting for food banks. We’ve also spent time fixing up the garden and started a "sit ‘n’ sip" initiative for the community where people can come and have tea, a biscuit and a good chat. There are a lot of lonely people with no outside space, so we wanted to open ours up. It’s been good to help others.”

“We honestly can’t say enough good things about Michelle, she’s been amazing – she’s a Home Group customer too and just completely understands our situation and has provided great support both financially and emotionally."

Customers sat with colleagues.

Michelle is absolutely wonderful. She began fighting for us immediately, filled out the paperwork and kept pushing until we got results. Without her, we would have been homeless.

Jacqueline and Ron

21569 Mark Calvert/Lucy Redfern

Talk to our financial inclusion team

Our team is trained to give free, one to one support, if you're worried about money. If you're struggling to pay your rent, looking for benefits support or help with budgeting then give us a call. They can even help you find free clothing and interview coaching.

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