Since the start of lockdown, Clean Slate’s teams have reported escalating levels of crisis (and sometimes despair) displayed by those we engage by phone and online. This prompted us to offer a ‘Claimants in Crisis’ service to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which led to our first contract in Wales in December.

A new Wales-based team, including Welsh speakers, has been established recognising the need for local insight. Support Workers will work with one hundred claimants referred by DWP reporting severe financial hardship, offering practical support by phone and online to help them get back on top. Three monthly shopping vouchers will also be provided over a 12-week period of engagement, during which time they will also be referred into specialist services around debt, housing or domestic abuse should they require it. The service is designed to offer some breathing space and room to think about options and take steps towards shoring up their finances. In addition, a remotely-delivered, one-to-one budgeting programme will be available to claimants in North Wales via DWP from January.

A similar contract from DWP in West London has now been confirmed. Sixty claimants who could benefit from a budget review and ongoing support for eight weeks will be referred by Jobcentre Plus work coaches from January 2021.