The Money Matters service is open to guests who are current users of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-Staffs Foodbanks. There are a number of ways that they can make contact with a Money Matters adviser:

1. They see Money Matters holding a drop-in session at the foodbank that they attend and make an enquiry there and then
2. We publish a monthly calendar of foodbank sessions; either the client themselves or the person issuing the voucher can look up where and when sessions are taking place and drop by on the day. You can find the calendar here.
3. Direct contact can be made with one of the advisers in advance and they can call, text or email us to arrange an appointment at the Saltbox offices in Hanley as and when appointments are available. You can also complete and send us a referral form, available here.

We discuss the client’s current financial situation and we can signpost, provide one-off support and advice, or take them on for more in-depth casework.

We can help people who are struggling to manage their finances in a number of ways:

• help people to make phone calls regarding their benefits and finances
• fill in forms either paper-based or online
• raise awareness of further support available to people on low incomes
• assist them in creating an income and expenditure budget
• if someone has numerous debts with or without bailiffs (enforcement officers) knocking at their door, we can provide more intense support carrying out a financial evaluation and negotiating with creditors on their behalf, assessing the debt options that are suitable for their circumstances