Money management and financial assistance

The charity Pharmacist Support is keen to raise awareness of the free and confidential support it has available for anyone stressed about money and increasing debt levels.

It has pulled together the following information to help with managing money, along with links to other organisations that may be able to help.

• Managing your money: Contains useful information and signposts to organisations for help with debt management, grant searches and online tools for self-help with budgeting and saving. 
• Trainee money management: Covers advice on managing money during the foundation training year, including tips on how to budget for known and unknown costs. 
• Student money management: Covers the practicalities of living independently, budgeting, and some of the costs that need to be factored into personal budgets.
• Help with debt: Offers practical advice and steps to help people get back in control of their finances (including identifying what are the priority debts). 

Managing your energy bills

Gas and electricity are priority bills and if someone cannot pay, there are a number of options available. In the first instance, they can get in touch with their supplier for further help.

Ofgem rules mean that energy firms must offer affordable payment plans if someone is struggling to pay their bills. Most energy providers also offer grants. Check out Pharmacist Support’s Managing your energy bills resource for information on all the support that is available. 

Financial assistance 

Pharmacist Support also provides a range of support to anyone facing financial difficulties; for example through ill health, unemployment, bereavement, care costs and unexpected events. Full eligibility criteria and a link to a new grants portal can be found on the Financial assistance page. 

Free and confidential debt and benefits advice

Through its partnership with Citizens Advice Manchester, Pharmacist Support can refer people to a specially trained adviser for confidential advice in the areas of benefits, tax credits and debt management. 

Examples of this support include:

• Help with managing debts, including negotiating with creditors to reschedule payments
• Benefits advice to check entitlement, ensure the correct amount of benefits and tax credits are received, and help with completing forms.

Pharmacist support contact details – Tel: 0808 168 2233; Email: info@pharmacistsupport.org