A scheme supporting people hardest hit by the cost of living crisis has already helped over 450 Liverpool City Region residents manage over £1.13 million of debt and maximise £1 million in income in its first six months.

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

In this new phase, which began in March 2025, residents have had dedicated, bespoke financial advice and support has already resulted in £1.13 million of debt being managed and £1 million of income being maximised, reflecting both the continued demand for and the impact of the service. However, the latest figures also 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.

This project has received £688,116 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

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 

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.”

The first phase of the programme, launched at the end of 2022, supported more than 2,500 people, delivering over £4 million in income maximised, nearly £4 million in debt managed, and significant improvements in wellbeing, confidence and financial literacy.

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.

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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