Financial Capability Training from Mind
NEW!!! Financial Capability Training being offered by Mind in Taunton and West Somerset. For more information please contact Andy Pritchard on 01823 334906 or Andrew.pritchard@mindtws.org.uk
Mind Financial Capability Training Programme Overview
Introduction
Local Mind Association (LMA) service users can experience a range of issues in relation to money, both how they access key finance services such as banking and also maximising income through access to welfare benefits. This means service users can seek LMA’s support in relation to a number of money issues including, benefits, paying housing costs, budgeting and difficulties in accessing financial services such as insurance, opening and managing bank accounts and obtaining credit. Front line LMA staff need to be trained to give the effective information and to know when to signpost or refer service users to organisations that can give advice and also recognise the service users mental health needs. Financial and money advice fall under regulation so LMA staff need to be aware of the difference between giving information and advice.
The aim of this training package
The aim of this training package is to introduce financial capability issues and the generic advice principles and skills that will help deliver support to service users on issues relating to the key areas of financial capability.
Scope of the training
Training is available for groups of staff or individuals and can be organised to be in-house or at a local venue depending on need. Staff can be trained to roll out the training to colleagues. Some training will be organised at patch meetings between October 08 and March 09. The Advice and Information Special Interest Group in Liverpool in January will be another opportunity for LMA staff to obtain this training.
Resources
Once an LMA has staff trained in Financial Capability they can access the password protected downloadable training notes, handouts and toolkit from the LMA 2 LMA section of the LMA area of Minds web site. These can be used for one-to-one sessions, group sessions and workshops with service users as well as to roll out the training to other staff.
Cost
Currently we have extra funding from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) so that the training is free except for travel and staff time costs. (to be confirmed)
Objectives of the training package
By the end of the one-day training course you should:
- Understand the key concepts and practices associated with financial capability and be able to distinguish financial capability from other terms
- Have practised the key skills used in providing information, diagnosing advice needs and referring users to appropriate financial services and also generic money advice providers
- Be aware of the parameters of advice and guidance on money matters that can be given without Financial Services Authority authorisation and the implications of the regulation of generic debt advice.
The content of this training package
This one-day training package will cover:
- The financial capability and advice needs of people with mental health problems
- The key areas of financial capability - managing money and keeping track of finances through budgeting, planning ahead including savings and choosing financial products
- The difference between information and advice
- Ensuring quality of information and advice, including regulation
- Working with signposting and referral agencies - who are they, how do they work, how can you work with them
- The generic skills needed by information and advice workers drawn from National Occupational Standards
- Practical exercises based on diagnosing issues, delivering information and signposting.
This course is a mixture of information slots, practical exercises, role play and group discussions. These notes provide details of resources that can be used when working on financial capability with service users.
Andy Pritchard
Mindline Somerset Manager
Mind in Taunton and West Somerset
The Market Building
Canal Road
Taunton TA1 1PN
Tel: 01823 334906
Fax: 01823 331364
Mindline Somerset open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8pm-midnight
On 01823 276892
www.mindtws.org.uk/mindline.htm
Company no 6074763 , Registered Charity no 1119172, Telephone: 08453 580372
UK Learning Provider Reference Number: 10020323