Are you worried about debt or experiencing financial difficulties? Have the recent price increases in fuel, food and other bills started to cause you concern or made your existing situation worse?
North Lanarkshire Council’s Financial Inclusion Team and South Lanarkshire Council’s Money Matters Advisory Service both provide support to residents when it comes to money worries, and our Health Improvement team works closely with their teams to highlight this support to NHSL staff, as well as patients.
Jo Duffy, senior health promotion officer, BBV & Sexual Health Promotion and Tackling Poverty, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “NHSL works closely with partners in both North and South Lanarkshire Council, who offer free and confidential advice on a wide range of financial topics and issues. We know lots of our NHSL staff are also residents here and can therefore access the same support as we would promote to clients, patients and other service users.
“Stigma and shame can often lead us to be too embarrassed to open up about financial worries, but there are lots of supports available and seeking help quickly is the best way to reduce the stress and associated impact on health and wellbeing.
“Please don’t keep these worries to yourself, both North and South Lanarkshire Council have dedicated services that offer specialist advice and support to help people dealing with money worries.”
North Lanarkshire Council – Financial Inclusion Team (FIT)
NHSL colleagues living in North Lanarkshire who are worried about money matters can access support from our partners in North Lanarkshire Councils Financial Inclusion Team.
Money worries can affect anyone and the stress can have a big impact on your health. The Financial Inclusion Team will provide free, impartial, and confidential money management support to any colleague who requests it.
The support can be on money management challenges like maximising your income by carrying out a benefit check and identifying and supporting you to benefits you may be entitled to, debt and budgeting advice for the short and long term. It can be by email, over the phone or in person.
To talk to someone about any of these issues – call 01698 332551 or email FIT@northlan.gov.uk
South Lanarkshire Council – Money Matters Advisory Service (MMAS)
Did you know the Council’s Money Matters Advisory Service (MMAS) has over 20 years experience of helping people who are dealing with money worries? They offer debt and benefits advice to South Lanarkshire Council residents and aim to take away some of the stress and anxiety that money problems can bring. If this is something you, a family member or a friend would like to explore, the first step is to make contact. Here are the different ways you can do this:
- on-line enquiry form for managing Debt – South Lanarkshire Council
- on-line form for Benefits advice enquiry – South Lanarkshire Council
- telephone advice helpline for benefits advice for pregnant women and families with young children: 01698 453154
- full contact details of the South Lanarkshire MMAS local offices: Local Area Office search – South Lanarkshire Council or call 0303 123 1008
The Health Improvement web page has further information on these support services and additional services the councils and wider organisations can offer.
