Financial Wellbeing with River Clyde Homes

The RCH Financial Wellbeing team recently attended the annual CPAG welfare right conference on the 19th of June 2025.

The CPAG in Scotland’s annual Welfare Rights Conference is the key event for advisers and others to stay updated on Scottish and UK social security.

This year, meet leading experts, policy makers, and politicians to learn about the latest developments, and join us in debates on social security policy and its impact on child poverty. The conference features workshops on legal updates on Scottish social security, the latest on transfers to disability benefits, forthcoming improvements to carer benefits, migrant rights, housing cost support, tribunal representation, and universal credit migration.

• Speakers included:  Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
• The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Department for Work and Pensions

This conference is very well attended and the Team appreciated the opportunity to keep up to date with all things benefit related.

River Clyde Homes Financial Wellbeing Team: Supporting Inverclyde

The River Clyde Homes Financial Wellbeing Team plays a vital role in providing financial support and assistance to our tenants, and the wider Inverclyde community. Supporting our customers with their financial literacy, stability, and resilience, the team offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support individuals to manage their money effectively and better understand their economic circumstances.

What We Do

The Financial Wellbeing Team acts as a support service for our customers who may experiencing financial difficulties or seeking guidance on managing their household budgets. Their core activities include:

• Debt Advice: Offering confidential and impartial advice on various forms of debt, helping tenants to understand their options.
• Income Maximisation: Assisting tenants in identifying and applying for all eligible welfare benefits, grants, and other sources of income they may be entitled to. This ensures households are receiving their full potential income, which can be particularly crucial for those on low incomes or facing unemployment.
• Budgeting Support: Providing practical guidance and tools to help tenants create realistic household budgets, manage spending, and develop savings habits. This helps people take control of their finances and plan for the future.
• Digital Inclusion: Supporting tenants to access online financial services, government portals, and digital tools that can help them manage their money and apply for benefits more efficiently.

Benefits to the Inverclyde Community

The work of the River Clyde Homes Financial Wellbeing Team brings many benefits to the Inverclyde community:

• Poverty Alleviation: By maximising income and managing debt, the team directly contributes to lifting individuals and families out of poverty and reducing financial hardship within the community.
• Improved Mental Health and Wellbeing: Financial stress is a significant contributor to poor mental health. By providing practical solutions and support, the team helps to reduce anxiety and improve the overall wellbeing of residents.
• Enhanced Financial Resilience: Equipping tenants with the skills and knowledge to budget and manage their finances builds long-term financial resilience, helping them to withstand future economic difficulties.
• Tenancy Sustainment: By addressing rent arrears and providing proactive financial support, the team helps tenants maintain their homes. This also benefits River Clyde Homes by reducing tenancy turnover and associated costs.
• Increased Access to Support: The team acts to signpost tenants to other specialist services and organisations within Inverclyde that can offer further assistance, creating a larger support network.
• Empowerment and Confidence: Through our advice, support and practical assistance, customers gain confidence in their ability to manage their own finances, leading to greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Get in touch today on 01475 788887 to find out more!