A scheme which embedded Citizens Advice advisers in the heart of local communities has already delivered life-changing results for residents.
Through the Citizens Advice Manchester Hospital Advice Service three local hospitals – the MRI, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and North Manchester General – now have dedicated advisers on site who can support patients and staff with a range of advice needs.
Intended to provide advice and financial support the scheme has already received referrals for over 1,000 people. Since its launch, the project has delivered an impressive £1,582,699 in financial outcomes for 745 patients, helping them access the support they’re entitled to and avoid potential financial crisis.
These figures amount to an average financial gain of £2,124 per resident.
By providing wrap around services in a healthcare setting this scheme intends to remove barriers for people who may otherwise fall through the cracks, slipping into financial hardship or poverty.
We know that poor health and financial struggles can be closely linked, as residents who are dealing with a range of health problems may not have the capacity to stay afloat. By integrating financial support into the health settings the aim is not only to help people navigate complex systems, but to provide stability so that their health and future can be prioritised.
Support also extends beyond the hospital, with support available once a person has returned home via phone, email or in-person appointments.
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said: “We know how linked people’s health and financial wellbeing are, and this scheme goes to show just how close that link is.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways in which we can support our residents and this scheme is a great example of how we are working to deliver on that promise.
“While this scheme is specific to hospitals, I would urge anyone who is experiencing financial hardship to get in touch with the Council and get support through our dedicated cost of living support service.”
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which operates all three hospitals, said: “Across our Trust, we are working to target the various health inequalities that our diverse population face so we can help them live longer, healthier lives.
“We recognise that health and financial wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Embedding Citizens Advice services within our hospitals is part of our broader commitment to tackling health inequalities across Manchester.
“By offering accessible, on-site support, we’re helping to remove barriers that disproportionately affect our most vulnerable communities – ensuring that no one’s health suffers because of financial hardship.
“Thanks to this vital partnership with Manchester City Council, the Citizen Advice service has helped many people under our care seek guidance for financial difficulties who may not have typically engaged with other forms of support.
“This has made a truly positive impact and we hope our communities continue to engage with the service.”
A clinician at North Manchester General said: “This is such a valuable and much needed service being provided by the team at Citizens Advice – thank you. What a huge difference this support is clearly having on the lives of our patients”.