This week is #TalkMoneyWeek and research by Money Helper shows that one in three of us say thinking about our financial situation makes us worried.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to start chatting to friends and family - or experts if necessary - about it, so people can begin to feel more confident managing their finances.
We understand that managing money can feel really overwhelming at times and can make people feel stressed and anxious. That’s why we have a specialist team of money coaches who have been helping our customers tackle their money worries for over 20 years.
Our teams support customers to take back control of their finances by showing them how to budget, manage debt and access grants and benefits that they could be eligible for.
Last year we helped customers claim over £1m. Our money coaches are on hand to speak to customers before they reach a crisis point and work with them to help with things like bills, shopping, employment, health, wellbeing, and much more.
Laurence, who’s one of our money coaches, has been working closely with John, a Yorkshire Housing customer who moved into one of our retirement housing schemes in York. John told us:
“I came out of hospital after having a stroke and had no income because I’d lost by job, so I was living on credit cards and racked up £9,000 worth of debt.
“My wife had died at the same time, I was a total wreck, and I was living on baked beans in rented accommodation until Yorkshire Housing came along. They quite frankly saved my life. They not only supported me with moving into my new home, but they helped me get my finances back on track.
“I had completely lost my speech after my stroke, so I could barely communicate, but Laurence from the team was so patient and forthcoming. Now, fast forward five months, I’ve paid off £1,500 of debt and I’m back on my feet. I literally went from having nothing to money in the bank.
“I would encourage any Yorkshire Housing customers who are struggling with their finances to reach out for support because it is literally life-changing, and I can’t thank Yorkshire Housing enough.”
Need money advice? We’re here to help. Please speak to us if you’re struggling.