Wiltshire Mind are delighted to announce the launch of their new project called ‘Better Money Management’.
The project is funded by Wessex Water and is part of their assistance programme, tap, which offers help to those in financial difficulty, who are struggling to pay their bills or repay debt.
Wiltshire Mind will be using the funding to run sessions on debt advice and money management at its established peer support You In Mind Groups across North and West Wiltshire, including Melksham and Trowbridge.
The money will help fund a financial capability advisor, from Wiltshire Citizens Advice, who will provide information on financial literacy, balancing a budget and debt advice, as well as signposting to other agencies if appropriate. The advice sessions will be available for existing members of the groups and open to others who feel they may benefit from such support. Topics covered at the advice sessions will include financial literacy, balancing income and expenditure and managing debt. There will be four sessions in total per location. It is free to attend the sessions.
David Mckeigue, CEO of Wiltshire Mind said, “ The intention is not to turn our attendees into budding financial experts but importantly, in these times of austerity, provide them with a general awareness of financial literacy, budget planning and debt avoidance as well as signpost anybody to the correct agency if more expert help is required.
“Through the advice sessions it is also intended that physical and emotional wellbeing will be improved as often financial worries and debt can lead to stress and anxiety.
“What’s great about these sessions is that they will be delivered in the same environment that our client members are used to every week. That plays a big part in their security and confidence and breaks down any barriers which may normally prevent them from attending such a session.”
The first session will start in Trowbridge on Thursday 13th February at the United Church, Church Street (BA14 8DY) at 11.00am. Spaces are limited to 15 per location. Information is also available on the Wiltshire Mind web site: www.wilt shiremind.co.uk.
Advice sessions in Melksham are planned for later in the year at St Anthony of Padua Church, 22 West End (SN12 6HJ) on Wednesdays 3rd and 17th Sept. and 1st and 15th Oct., 1.30 – 3.30pm.
Attendees must register with the Wiltshire Mind office first on 01225 706532 and complete a registration form available on the web site: www.wilt shiremind.co.uk or email to: office@wiltshiremind. co.uk. An attendance confirmation letter will be issued via the Wiltshire Mind office.
