Money and Confidence (MAC) (360G-SCVO-a0g3z00000HpNIkAAN)

Due to local demand via our community volunteer advisers we are seeking funding to pilot a new service in the West Lothian Area that will provide those in the community access to individual money budgeting related assistance and support. Due to the Semi-rural nature and poor transport links some of the area's residents require to travel to the nearest large town, up to 15 miles from some villages, to access national or local advice services i.e. CAB. Providing they can get an appointment and are able to coordinate the public transport links and appointment times. This also has a financial cost which can often be unaffordable for the resident. Our communities of interest experience higher levels of unemployment, fuel and food poverty and high levels of debt. Assistance is often required to complete DWP forms , housing forms but access to internet is sporadic in the rural areas of West Lothain, both in digital coverage and lack of affordability for residents. Recent changes in the welfare and benefit system has had a huge impact in the areas , the areas are slipping down the index of multiple deprivation, mainly due to the welfare and benefit changes , the roll out of Universal credit and the changing method of PIP assessments and awards. Compounding the lack of capacity in handling personal finances and ability to safeguard income. We would deliver one to one session, group sessions and tapping in to specialisms of our local partners, ensuring our participants accessed the correct level of assistance.Form filling assistance would also be available via our trained volunteer advisors. We would work with local community management boards to access local community centres or halls within the communities to make the service accessible to those in the more rural communities. We will be asking participants via surveys and evaluations how we can mould the service to their needs. These services will be available West Lothain Wide in communities of need.