Back in March, Peabody began arranging free money guidance sessions with FSA-trained guides from Moneymadeclear. Thursday 18 November saw the 100th appointment, when one of our residents came to the Gateway Centre in Southwark to meet Jack Neale, one of seven money guides working across the capital.
Money guide Jack Neale with the 100th customer
The service offers impartial and confidential face-to-face guidance and information on a range of financial matters. The trained money guides use jargon-free, everyday language and work with each customer to produce a personalised action plan at the end of the appointment.
Approachable, knowledgeable staff
The sessions are part of a national service run by Moneymadeclear, and Peabody was the first housing association in London to organise appointments for its residents. The response from users of the service has been excellent, with many customers commenting that they appreciate being able to discuss their finances with the approachable and knowledgeable staff from Moneymadeclear.
Elizabeth, who used the service earlier this year, said she was motivated to start saving towards a college course that would be important for her future career after discussing her financial situation with her money guide. Natasha said she felt less stressed after her appointment with the money guide because he “gave top tips on creating a realistic budget and keeping track of my finances. This helped me to deal with the debts I have.”
Ruth, who attended a session at the Gateway this month, said: “the information that Jack gave me today has helped me to understand the different financial implications of some of the employment opportunities open to me including some good news about tax!” Ruth described the service as reassuring and her money guide as highly professional.
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Left: money guide Jack Neale
Centre: Jack Neale greets the 100th money guidance customer
Right: Peabody's Leigh Andrews with Jack Neale outside the Gateway Centre |
A unique resource
Felicity, who works at the Gateway and regularly refers people to the money guides, said “the money guidance service is very well run and it’s fantastic that Peabody customers are able to access a unique resource.”
But the last word goes to Jack, who has provided regular guidance and information to Peabody’s residents over the past eight months.
“The support provided by Peabody to Moneymadeclear has allowed us to reach people who ordinarily may not have been able to get the information or support that they needed to make the best of their finances.”
Money guidance appointments are available at the Gateway Centre in Lancaster Street, SE1, and the Hugh Cubitt Centre near King’s Cross. You can book an appointment by emailing
money.matters@peabody.org.uk.
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