Money advisers’ skills
Just as you are not a debt expert, money advisers are not mental
health specialists.
However, in most agencies there should be at least one adviser
who has received some training in working with clients with mental
health problems. Clients may wish to ask for that person.
Confidentiality
The client will need to decide what they want (and do not want)
to tell the money adviser about their mental health problem.
Working together
Where feasible, there may be situations where you (or someone in
your service) could accompany or sit-in on the first advice session
with the client. In some cases, clients may need support throughout
the advice process from you, or another worker.
Before advice sessions
Health and social care workers can help clients by:
- assisting them to gather all relevant paperwork or
bills
- preparing information on how a client’s mental health affects
their ability to manage money or repay debt
During advice sessions
The worker can help by building trust between the adviser and
the client, and offering reassurance.
After advice sessions
Workers can help by supplying requested paperwork to advisers,
as well as checking how clients are coping with undertaking any
tasks.
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