MD Jeff Mitchell was joined by Sabine Goodwin of Independent Food Aid Network to discuss the benefits of a money first approach

Clean Slate recently hosted a webinar with our partners across the sector looking at the benefits of a money-first approach to helping people in poverty.

The event, called Money First… And The Rest Will Follow, on 9 November was hosted by our Gloucestershire regional lead Melanie Warren and heard contributions from our MD Jeff Mitchell and Sabine Goodwin, co-ordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN).

While no one should be forced to turn to a food bank, Goodwin pointed out that the harsh reality is that even this last resort is now feeling the strain as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

With donations down and demand rising, the mainstream food aid system is struggling. IFAN’s cash-first philosophy, Goodwin explained, would get around this by literally putting money in people’s pockets.

The benefits are many and varied. Dignity is restored, and shopping for food rather than accepting handouts allows a degree of choice and the ability to adhere to cultural, health or religious requirements. Plus, when it’s linked to support and advice, money first helps to build financial resilience.

This of course is a core tenet of the Clean Slate ethos too. Attendees were able to learn more about how money first comes into play in the work we do, not least because it creates the “room to manoeuvre” that’s so important in providing a stable base on which to build better finances and money skills.

There was an opportunity for questions and a chance for attendees to discuss in smaller groups how money guidance is part of their work as well as how those of us in the sector might be able to influence policy.

A video of the event is available to view here. And watch this space for details of our next event.

Main image: Akil Mazumder / Pexels