Women at risk set up debt savvy financial sessions

Aim

Safe and Sound Dorset is setting up a digital space for at risk women to support financial resilience empowering them to be more tech savvy.

Who are we, and what our project is about

Safe and Sound Dorset works with women who are isolated or at risk in the community who are often experiencing multiple disadvantages some of which might be homelessness, mental health issues, family breakdown, long term illness, domestic violence or abuse, childhood trauma and these issues may be complicated through other things such as age, disability, race or sexuality.

Our project is to raise money to install 6-10 new computers in a digital suite to enable women to come in to use the equipment to access Universal Credit journals, housing options, on-line forms and much more. We will also run courses on financial resilience, debt awareness, budgeting, bill efficiency etc

Our overall strategy is always underpinned by our beliefs and values. These values include an understanding of how much a support system around each person can make a huge difference. Belonging to a community where you can participate in sessions and courses and  help to set up new ideas addresses social issues of positive inclusion enabling women to build their confidence.

Barriers of disadvantage and low income affect the lives of many women struggling in isolation and can be alleviated through small means such as 1-1 appointments with the right services (CAB, solicitors, housing officers)  on-line help with Universal Credit issues, good professional advice on finances and budgeting, debt counselling, energy efficiency helping reduce bills, regular food vouchers, community meals, a chance to connect up in small ways throughout each week, do relational courses together and do creative and physical activities together. Women also go on to volunteer in our sessions and cafe, gain employment and bring ideas so we can collaboratively create our yearly programme.

We run up to 10 sessions a week mainly based in our cafe at BH1 4BT, which is in an area of disadvantage where  people are most likely to be deprived due to lack of education or employment, are disabled and have overcrowded or poor housing.

This is the area where we do our late night street outreach to women on the streets at their most vulnerable, sometimes homeless, often rough sleeping, sofa surfing in temporary or supported housing who need support to access all services: housing, on line applications, finances and more. 

We offer 1-1 appointments and run specialist sessions for women throughout the year; courses on relationships, personal development, debt management, digital up-skilling, scams’ awareness, self assessment, retirement and more. All support financial resilience empowering women to become debt-free, more tech savvy, navigate potential on-line fraud and identity theft, understand the dangers of  cyber bullying, or ‘Catfishing’ (the process of luring someone into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona often to defraud them of money.)

Many people feel terrified at the prospect of filling in a form on line. 😣 Many surf the net not realising the dangers lurking. Many feel overwhelmed and left behind by the fast pace of technological advances.

We are setting up a digital suite as we want to help demystify technology and digital skills with practical help,  whilst understanding ways to stay safe on-line, keep financially resilient and be more efficient with finances.

Every week  at The Well coffee lounge (BH1 4BT) we run a 2 hour housing group which hosts housing officers and the Citizens Advice Bureau.  This is a place where women can touch base with a professional service, asking for help with specific issues such as eviction notices, domestic violence, debt management and household support. It is fast becoming an important hub for women’s issues. We want to raise finance to furnish a suite of computers for digital up-skilling that will enable women to have regular access to Universal Credit journals, on-line forms and therefore gain more financial resilience. 

We also include exercise in our creative sessions, the miracle cure we've always had, but for too long we've neglected to take our recommended dose!  Our chair-based exercise sessions are integrated into all our women’s sessions to encourage physical well being, to combat  chronic stress and improve mental health and physical well-being.

We believe that with support women can be empowered to recognise and develop their strengths, confidence and self-esteem, able to manage financially and budget well making their lives more positively independent.

Feedback

I want to genuinely thank Safe and Sound Dorset for all the help and constant support I have received, in ways I didn’t expect. I have been helped, emotionally, mentally, in my self esteem, practically ( given an air fryer, heated airer and electric blanket) and more. All the encouragement and opportunities I have been given also helps my children and our family as I am a better, more capable and present mum.

I have never experienced such a supportive group, so always available and compassionate. It’s very emotional for me to have been sustained in such a way, especially after such a crisis in my life. I have no end of gratitude to the team that makes this happen.’

How you can support the project 

1. Make a donation

Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too. Every donation up to £250 is doubled by Aviva which maximises every donation!

2. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.

3. Volunteer with us 

If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch through the ‘Contact’ section using the subject "I want to volunteer my time or expertise" on our project page.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made