We’re asking you to encourage the people you employ, support or serve to do one thing that could make a positive difference to their financial wellbeing. It could be as simple as checking their credit score, talking to a child about pocket money or using one of the free tools or calculators on the MoneyHelper website.
MoneyHelper https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit/struggling-to-pay-your-gas-or-electricity-bill
(It gives suggestions of who to turn to and how to speak to your fuel supplier if you need help).
Don’t forget we have our regular guest speaker sessions covering a range of financial topics. Check out our Booking Platform to book your place.
There is also the Priority Service register that anyone who has special circumstances can discuss with their supplier. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register
Please get in touch for more information on how we can support you with getting your organisation involved in Talk Money Week this year by emailing talkmoneyweek@maps.org.uk.
Money Saving Expert – Free Ways to Learn Skills at home
Why not check these affordable ways to learn:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/deals-hunter/2020/03/free-ways-to-learn-new-skills-at-home/
New for the Summer 2026
Moving home can be complicated — moving country can feel like a whole new level. If you’re new to the UK (or supporting someone who is), join us to explore some of the key areas to think about as you settle in.
New to UK (45 minutes) – Tuesday 28th July at 11:00am – Register here
Feeling anxious and excited are both completely normal when you’re planning a move abroad. Our New to UK session is designed to help you get started with confidence, covering key topics and signposting support to help you and your family settle into life in the UK.
Join us for the live session to learn more.
Following on from our live Carers Week sessions — and to keep the momentum going from last month’s 10-year Financial Wellbeing celebrations — we’ve shared some of the recordings below in case you missed anything.
Feel free to dip in and watch whichever sessions are most relevant to you, and as many as you’d like.
New beginnings: Your home buying journey—Watch Here (available until 31st July at 11:59pm)
Want a clear view of the steps to buy your first home with confidence? Every home (and buyer) is different, and it’s an exciting milestone. Our First Time Buyers presentation covers the essentials and practical tips for each stage of the journey, from your first viewing right through to moving-in day.
My Family – Watch here (available until 31st July at 11:59pm)
A webinar exploring ways to make your money work harder for your family, with ideas and approaches that can help you feel more in control of day-to-day finances and longer-term plans.
Financial Wellbeing for Carers – Watch here (available until 31st July at 11:59pm)
A session focused on practical strategies to support the mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing of people who dedicate time and energy to caring for others.
Always On Demand
Leveraging Zoom’s recording capabilities, we provide a suite of recorded webinars. This initiative is particularly valuable for organisations with employees who may not work in traditional office settings, such as those on production lines or managing customer service lines, and therefore may be unable to attend live sessions.
Always On Demand is designed to make learning more accessible, inclusive, and effective for your entire workforce. Our recordings are attached to this e-mail or you can view it here
Helping Clients in debt – Recognising Early signs and supporting them before crisis – Citizens Advice free training
I’m getting in touch to invite you to a free training session that may be useful for you and your team: Helping People in Problem Debt: Recognising Early Signs and Supporting Them Before Crisis.
Many people experience financial pressure long before they recognise they are in problem debt. This free, 90 minute session is designed to give frontline staff, support workers, housing teams, carers, community groups, and partner organisations the skills and confidence to spot the signs early and help clients access the right support.
The session will cover:
- What financial difficulty and problem debt look like in everyday life
- The difference between priority and non-priority debts
- Behavioural and financial red flags to look out for
- How the debt spiral develops and its impact on wellbeing
- How to have sensitive, non-judgemental conversations
- Effective signposting and safe referral pathways
- Tools and resources to help clients stabilise their situation
- Real examples and case studies based on local experience
You will leave with practical strategies you can apply immediately, a clearer understanding of client vulnerabilities, and increased confidence in supporting people before their situation reaches crisis point.
Who is this for?
Anyone who works with clients or service users, including housing teams, carers, charity staff, community organisations, volunteers, support agencies, and health professionals.
If you would like to join us, you can book your place here:
Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues or partner organisations who may find the session helpful.
Foodbanks
Food banks play a vital role in supporting local residents by providing reliable access to nutritious food during times of financial hardship. They help reduce food insecurity, ensuring that individuals and families do not have to choose between essential needs like housing, healthcare, and meals. Beyond immediate relief, food banks strengthen community resilience by offering support services, partnering with local organisations, and fostering a sense of solidarity among neighbours. Here is a list of Food Banks available across Essex
Where Are The Essex Food Banks? – Essex Portal
Free food and food banks | Disability charity Scope UK
Gift/Food Donations
Donating gifts at Christmas is a meaningful way to share kindness and ensure that everyone can feel included during the festive season. It can help bring joy to individuals and families who may be facing difficult times, reminding them that others care. Giving also strengthens communities by encouraging empathy, generosity, and a spirit of togetherness. In many ways, these small acts of kindness can make the season brighter for everyone. If you or your organisation would like to make donations here are some Appeals:
The Kids Inspire Christmas Appeal is for children and families in need — Kids Inspire
Braintree Tesco launches Christmas toy donation scheme | Braintree and Witham Times
Christmas Present Appeal | The Salvation Army
How you can donate gifts and toys to children this Christmas | Brentwood Live
Published: 30 November 2025
