• Programme supported 2,500 people in first phase, maximising £4m in income and managing almost £4m in debt
• Second phase has already helped over 450 residents manage another £2m in debt and extra income
• Combined Authority-led scheme delivered by organisations including Citizens Advice, Vauxhall Law Centre and Pennysmart
• One in three people needed food and fuel vouchers
• Mayor Rotheram: “With the government’s backing, we’re helping to put money back into people’s pockets.”

A successful cost-of-living support scheme that has delivered £10m in financial support to almost 3,000 people has been extended.

The Mind and Money Support Scheme was launched by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2023 to provide a vital lifeline for people facing financial hardship.

The first phase of the programme helped more than 2,500 people access £4m in extra income and manage almost £4m in debt – delivering significant improvements in wellbeing, confidence and financial literacy. In the six months since it was renewed in March, it has already helped a further 450 people manage over £1.13m of debt and maximise £1m in income.

Delivered by a network of accredited community organisations — including Citizens Advice, Vauxhall Law Centre and Pennysmart — the programme offers tailored financial and wellbeing support across all six areas of the city region: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority secured £688,116 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund for the project, which is led by the Women’s Organisation.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Helping people in their moment of need is what our communities have always done best. Thanks to devolution, we’re putting our region’s values into action and ensuring that local people can access the services they need, when they need it most.

“With the government’s backing, we’re helping to put money back into people’s pockets and ensure that every family has access to the support they need to thrive.”

Pauline Killen, Manager at Citizens Advice Sefton, said:

“The Mind and Money service shows just how essential this support remains. While we’re proud that the programme has helped hundreds of people regain control of their finances, the fact that so many still need emergency support for essentials like food and energy is deeply concerning.

Financial resilience, skills and confidence are key to helping people navigate these challenges and this programme is giving residents the tools to do exactly that.”

The Mind and Money scheme provides practical, one-to-one guidance on income maximisation, debt management, budgeting, energy efficiency and financial wellbeing. It forms part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority support for communities in needs.

With this second phase now underway, the initiative continues to demonstrate how local collaboration and community expertise can make a tangible difference to those struggling most with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The latest figures highlight the depth of the financial pressures still facing local households: one in three clients supported required access to food and/or fuel vouchers, underlining the ongoing levels of debt and poverty affecting communities across the region.

Access to support is made through key referral points including GPs, mental health services, and other community and public health organisations.

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