Karbon Foundation’s Money Matters service has secured more than £60m in additional income for people across the North East and Yorkshire since it was established in 2006.
The welfare rights and money advice service, which supports around 5,000 people each year, has secured £45m of that total over the past seven years.
Money Matters provides free and confidential advice to help people understand their financial circumstances and identify income and benefits they may be entitled to.
Money advice service supports household finances
The 16-strong team helped service users secure £8.3m in additional income during the last financial year.
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Alongside welfare rights advice, the service provides support with budgeting and debt management, while also referring people to employment and skills services where appropriate.
Lee Forrest, Head of Financial Wellbeing and Employability at Karbon Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that the Money Matters team has been able to secure £60million in additional income to help thousands of families across the North East and Yorkshire live more comfortable lives, especially against the backdrop of the rising cost of living.
“The team has grown significantly over the last 20 years, and we continue to broaden our remit to support the communities we serve.”
The Money Matters service forms part of Karbon Foundation’s wider Employment and Skills programme, which provides tailored support around financial stability, debt, skills, qualifications and employment.
Support aims to improve financial resilience
Elaine, a Money Matters caseworker who has been with the service since its launch, said the team has adapted its support as the benefits system and wider economic circumstances have changed.
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“Since then, we’ve seen lots of changes to the benefits system, and lots of changes in society, and we’ve adapted our services to best serve the needs of all our service users across all our communities.
When someone doesn’t have to struggle to pay for basics, they can focus on other areas of their lives, including looking for sustainable work or taking part in training opportunities.”
The service also provides referrals into other support offered by Karbon, including home adaptations and employment and skills assistance.
One service user, Andrea, said the team helped her after she experienced financial difficulties, including support with benefit applications, food and energy bills and an appeal.
“Due to personal circumstances and health struggles, I found myself in financial difficulties and The Money Matters team supported me every step of the way, from benefit applications to support with food and energy bills and even attending an appeal with me.
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“I wouldn’t have even known where to start if it wasn’t for Money Matters. They see you as a person and you’re not defined by your circumstances.”
Karbon Foundation is a registered charity within the Karbon Group and provides support covering financial wellbeing, employment and skills, community investment, social value, placeshaping and social isolation.
The wider Karbon Group provides affordable housing across the North, alongside services intended to support residents and communities.
