Let's Talk Money - Debt and Housing Support Services

Description

The service is jointly funded through the Housing Support Grant (HSG) and the Children’s and Communities Grant (CCG – Families First) and is designed to support individuals and families experiencing financial instability where debt is a primary driver of housing risk, homelessness, or wider family instability. The aim of the service is to prevent homelessness, sustain tenancies, and improve family resilience through hands‑on, needs‑led and practical support delivered via a single lead worker model. This includes financial capability and budgeting support, managing debt by securing viable debt solution options, and addressing housing‑related issues that may impact financial stability or tenancy sustainment. The service is referral‑led, accessed primarily through the Housing Support Gateway, and is specifically designed for individuals and families who do not engage well with appointment‑based or advice‑only services. This includes people who are homeless, living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, or experiencing complex needs. The service does not deliver general welfare benefits advice, mandatory reconsiderations or appeals. These functions are delivered through existing commissioned services. An exception applies to Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which may be supported under the Families First element of the service only. While the service promotes independence, the Provider must deliver supported actions where vulnerability, complexity or executive‑function barriers prevent individuals from completing tasks independently. The service must take a proactive and preventative approach, supporting individuals to build long‑term financial resilience, reduce debt, prevent homelessness and sustain tenancies. Housing instability and financial instability are often interconnected; therefore, the service must address both areas holistically. Full service requirements will be defined and issued in the tender pack following supplier engagement.