Financial Wellbeing focuses on how an individual feels about money, and the impact that personal finances have on their overall wellbeing.
Research suggests that a poor financial situation will have a direct detrimental effect on an individual’s mental health, producing physical and psychological symptoms such as loss of sleep, poor concentration and reduced motivation. As the cost of living continues to rise, financial wellbeing will become increasingly important. The following resources may be useful to help support your financial wellbeing.
Information and Resources
Benefits and Grants
Benefits and Grants (Scot Gov) – The Benefits and Grants section on My Gov offer a range of information and guidance about what’s available.
Citizens Advice
Citizen’s Advice Scotland – offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on a whole range of issues including benefits, debt and consumer issues.
Cost of Living Support
Cost of Living Support Scotland – The Scottish Government have produced a new Cost of Living Support website. The site includes information on advice to help cope with increasing energy bills, managing rent, support for families, health and wellbeing, as well as benefits, one-off payments and more.
Falkirk Council energy grants – Details of grants available for people living in the Falkirk Council area as well as information on support available with energy costs and eligibility criteria.
Discount Schemes for NHS Staff
Staff Benefits & Discounts (Internal Link) – Working for the NHS entitles you to a number of benefits and discounts of a wide variety of goods, from servicing your car to the latest in designer fashion. The staff benefits section of the intranet provides a curated list of available offers and memberships.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous Scotland – A fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Find support online or find out more about local groups.
Help during the cost of living crisis
Help during the cost of living crisis (Scot Gov) – If you need urgent help with money, food or fuel – Your local council may be able to help if you need urgent help with things like food, heating and electricity.
Help Paying Childcare
Help Paying for Your Childcare (UK Gov) – You can get up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare.
Home Energy Scotland
Home Energy Scotland – is a network of local advice centres that offer free, impartial and confidential help on energy saving.
Money Savings Expert
Money Saving Expert – Financial Expert Martin Lewis’ own website that provides hints, tips and advice. Particularly useful section on household bills and how to deal with the current cost of living rises.
National Wellbeing Hub
National Wellbeing Hub – Tips for Managing Finances – National Wellbeing Hub for those working in Health and Social Care. Some practical hints, tips and advice.
NHS Credit Union
NHS Credit Union – Specifically for NHS workers, contractors and their families, the Credit Union offers savings, loans and support.
Safe Harbour – A confidential service open to all members, that aims to help those who may be experiencing economic abuse to take back control of their money.
Open University
Open University – Free courses to study and learn money & business.
Parent Club
Parent Club – Many of us worry about money – even before the cost of living crisis came about. So if you’re having problems making ends meet, you’re not alone. Parent Club can help guide you to advice that’s tailored to your family’s needs.
Current Actions
- The organisation is exploring ways to help support staff with the cost of living crisis, ranging from specifically tailored education sessions to subsidised travel and meal options;
- Educational sessions exploring pension and savings advice are being set up for later in the year;
- Work is ongoing with partner organisations such as the Credit Union and Home Energy Scotland to provide more targeted support and information;
- We are working with a variety of organisations to try and obtain additional staff benefits, corporate passes and discounts both locally and nationally;
- The organisation is working with partners to create income maximisation tools and sessions to help staff make the most from their money.
