What is the Benefit Take-Up Campaign?
The Benefit Take-Up Campaign is a collaborative money management initiative developed by the Middlesbrough Financial Inclusion Group (FIG) and funded by Middlesbrough Council to help people make sure they are claiming the correct benefits.
The project is about explaining benefits and making sure people know what they are entitled to. The benefits system can be complicated, and the aim of the campaign is to help people through it effectively.
Middlesbrough Council has provided funding and support to extend the Unclaimed Benefits Campaign (UBC) and integrate it with an existing Hub Advice Service under one project.
Actes’ role within the programme is to provide direct engagement via its on-the-ground engagement team, the Walking Talkers, who are targeting communities where the events are taking place. Actes is providing a triage service for those attending appointments with advisers and it is also responsible for evaluating the success of the campaign.
Who can it help?
The Benefit Take-Up Campaign is designed to help anyone living in Middlesbrough.
What types of support are available?
Support is available in the form of one-to-one advice sessions which:
- Provide advice regarding benefit entitlement;
- Encourage people to engage with health-related services promoting a healthier lifestyle;
- Engage with a range of other support service and advice available.
How do I get in touch with the Benefit Take-Up Campaign?
For further information about the Benefit Take-Up Campaign please contact Terrie Allinson at Actes on 01642 856 030 or email terrie.allinson@actes.co.uk
What was Know Your Money Middlesbrough?
Know Your Money – Keep the Change (KYM) was a Big Lottery funded money management training project that worked with young people aged 16 – 24 in Middlesbrough to improve their financial confidence.
When did Know Your Money operate?
The KYM project operated between May 2013 and March 2017.
Who was involved in Know Your Money?
Actes worked with a number of local organisations to successfully deliver the project with Thirteen Housing group acting as the lead partner.
What practical support did Know Your Money provide?
The KYM team worked with young people on a one-to-one basis, helping them with their debts, benefits and budgeting and equipping them with the knowledge to make the best financial choices. KYM also offered accredited training programmes focused on tenancy management and employability.
In addition, KYM members were able to access the Advantage Club where they received a whole range of incentives and opportunities including access to Wi-Fi and computer equipment, social events, access to employment support and training and support with health issues.
What was the impact of Know Your Money?
Over the lifespan of the project 3032 young people engaged with the KYM, exceeding the target of 1144. In addition, 715 people took part in accredited financial confidence training against a target of 300. Overall the project helped those engaged to save a huge £2,496,956.39 through reduced outgoings against targets of £630,000.00. Actes is proud to have played a key role in this hugely successful money management project which had a significant impact on the financial wellbeing of young people in Middlesbrough.
