Calderdale Council employees have received national recognition for their role in providing residents with help and support about financial matters.
As part of the Calderdale Anti-Poverty Partnership, the Council supports the Money and Pensions Service (MAPS) Money Guiders programme – a free Government Backed, City and Guilds recognised programme of training, which is designed for the public service, public benefit, and not-for-profit sectors.
The Money Guiders programme is all about empowering front-line workers with the insights, tools, and support needed to help more people with their money worries and build a more financially resilient Calderdale.
At the recent MAPS Awards, Rachel Stewart, the Council’s Voluntary Sector Project Manager (Anti-Poverty), was named England Money Guider of the Year.
In addition to Rachel’s success, Denver Samuels and Nicola Torczynowycz from the Council’s Customer First Early Advice Support Team were also runners up in the Customer Hero category of the MAPS awards.
The Council supported the early adoption of the programme and Rachel played a key role in its successful roll out and the recruitment of over 100 people from organisations across the borough to the Money Guiders network.
There are now Money Guiders at local organisations including the Council, NHS, the North Halifax Partnership, Halifax Opportunities Trust, Healthy Minds, Citizens Advice Calderdale, and the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Alliance.
A recent celebration event recognised the development of the programme in Calderdale, with colleagues from across the Partnership receiving their certificates for successfully completing the Foundation Course for Money Guiders
The Anti-Poverty Partnership continues to recruit new Money Guiders to ensure that Calderdale residents can receive effective, good quality money guidance across a wide range of services and organisations.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“Problems with money can be exacerbated by the winter season, especially as we approach Christmas. We understand that many people are really struggling at the moment, and we’re committed to doing all we can to help.
“Dealing with money matters can be daunting, confusing and difficult, but talking can help in a range of ways. Our Money Guiders programme provides front line workers in the borough with the skills, qualities and knowledge needed to support residents to make more informed decisions. By providing guidance and signposting, our Money Guiders can help to ease the burden that financial worries can cause.
“We want to increase awareness of this support, which is available to anyone in the borough. I’m delighted that the Money and Pensions Service has recognised the hard work of some of our amazing colleagues. I know they, and all our staff and partners, are committed to supporting Calderdale residents in any way they can.”
For more information about the support offered by Money Guiders, or for general cost of living advice, please visit the Council’s Money and Wellbeing website, at www.calderdale.gov.uk/mwic(external link)
ENDS