Category

• Fully Validated Effective Local Practice

---

Poverty impact

• Mitigation

---

Poverty driver

• Increase income from benefits

---

Keywords

• Debt Assessment
• Financial Advice
• Financial Wellbeing
• Child Poverty
• Welfare Rights

Aim

This project aims to reduce child poverty in Angus by helping families maximise their income, access available benefits, and improve their financial stability using referrals within education institutions.

Summary

The Maximise Angus! Project is a collaborative effort between Education and Lifelong Learning in Angus, managed by the Angus Council Welfare Rights Team. Initiated in July 2022 and predicted to run for two years, the project employs a holistic approach to develop and normalise advice to families and contribute towards reducing child poverty in the Angus area. Two Financial Wellbeing Practitioners work with schools to provide guidance on budgeting, debt management, and accessing financial assistance and charitable applications. The project encourages schools and education colleagues to prioritise financial wellbeing and poverty reduction in their work with families.

What difference does it make?

In the first year, the project served 314 clients, resolved 517 enquires and generated £702,200 in financial gains for families in financial crisis.

Key take-aways

• During the pilot study, it was discovered that financial advice within education institutions and school events was often stigmatised. To address this issue and better engage with schools and families, financial advisors were rebranded as "financial wellbeing practitioners". They adopted a more informal approach, which helped to break down the barriers surrounding debt and benefits advice, for example, by engaging parents in casual conversation. This approach was crucial for the initial success of the project.
• A straightforward referral form/pathway process is also key for the success of this project. The pathway allows headteachers and senior staff members to refer families facing financial crisis.
• A lack of long-term funding is a key challenge for this project. The sustainability of the project is uncertain because future funding is not guaranteed. Funding issues are contributing to precarious employment for staff and impacting on the number of families the project can support, and future planning decisions.

 

Organisations

The Angus Council Welfare Rights Team and Education and Lifelong Learning

Location

Angus (throughout Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Monifieth, and Montrose).

Implemented in July 2022. Ongoing until July 2024.

Contact