Quids in! Money Guidance is partnering with local authorities using LIFT technology to reach residents with limited access to support services across rural Gloucestershire.
This spring, Quids in! Money Guidance, delivered by Clean Slate Training & Employment, is running free, over-the-phone money coaching pilots across parts of rural Gloucestershire, targeting residents in the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds, in areas where there are limited support services.
Backed by Forest of Dean District Council and Cotswold District Council through the Household Support Fund, this pilot programme will take a more targeted approach to reaching people who may not be engaging with existing support. Both councils have used the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) technology, developed by Policy in Practice, to identify households experiencing cash shortfall and who are currently in crisis.
That support will take the form of the Quids in! flagship five to six week money guidance programme, offering one-to-one coaching designed to help residents increase income, reduce costs and build financial resilience.
Using the LIFT platform, targeted letters will reach residents directly, opening the door to support that might never have found them. As well as self referrals, referrals can be made from council teams, housing associations and trusted community organisations. The approach is about meeting people where they are, not expecting them to come forward first. Or taking support to people, particularly where there is no ‘front door’.
About the Pilot programme
Residents will receive free, over-the-phone coaching with a Quids in! money coach over 5 to 6 weeks. Support is practical, tailored and focused on real outcomes.
Coaches work with residents to:
- Unlock immediate gains such as benefits, grants and social tariffs
- Build longer-term resilience through budgeting and saving habits
- Tackle urgent needs, from white goods to food support and emergency help
Those who complete the programme are, on average, £1,500 better off.
Access to the pilot programme is currently through targeted letters only sent to selected households. Additional referral pathways may be explored as the programme develops.
For enquiries, call 01453 796050 or email glos@cleanslateltd.co.uk.
Image: kodachrome25/Getty Images Signature
