Bristol adviser offers free guidance to community struggling financially
Nearly a quarter of people in Hartcliffe and Withywood in Bristol are struggling financially, a government report has found.
The area has long experienced deprivation, with a patch of Hartcliffe ranked as the most deprived neighbourhood in Bristol – and the 91st across the country.
Now a financial adviser is delivering free guidance in the community – from her campervan.
Elaine Milne, who has worked in financial services for more than 25 years, has personally experienced financial ruin to the point she was nearly made homeless.
Financial community Hub
And in a bid to help others, she has launched the FinPod Community Hub – where people can drop in, ask questions and gain reliable financial information.
Elaine, who more than 20 years ago experienced a life-threatening illness and was declared insolvent, said: “I never thought I’d be in the position I’m in today. I’m now fortunate to be able to help other people who may otherwise not have access to financial guidance.”
The sessions take place at Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP) and Elaine often brings along Truman – her Miniature Schnauzer dog.
HWCP senior community co-ordinator Zak Dugdale said: “There is a real need for financial support here, particularly as the cost of living goes up.
“We rely on people like Elaine, who have the expertise and are willing to give their time. If someone is worrying or stressed about money, it’s good to talk and gain guidance.”
Financial struggles
There has been a significant rise in people struggling financially in Bristol, according to data in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)
The findings are put together by Bristol City Council and the local NHS integrated care board, detailing what the city’s health needs are and will be in future.
And up to 25 per cent of residents are struggling in Hartcliffe and Withywood – more than double the average for the city as a whole.
People in the area also have a lower life expectancy than average and it may be linked to diet, access to healthcare, income, education, housing and employment.
Wellbeing
Zak said Elaine’s trips to the neighbourhood, where more than a third do not own a vehicle, have had a positive effect on people’s overall wellbeing.
He said: “Elaine’s really approachable and people can relate to her. She’s honest, which people appreciate, and she’ll say what needs to be said in an endearing way.
“She’s already made a difference to some individuals and we can see them make progress when they take her guidance on board.
“The sessions help people with more than their finances – it supports their mental health, confidence and wellbeing. I can’t speak highly enough of the FinPod or Elaine.”
Elaine first met the team at HWCP through the Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club, when she supported young members to put in a funding bid for Lego Legends sessions.
Elaine, who heads Milne Wealth Management, with hundreds of clients across the country, said: “I’m there to answer money questions, big or small. I’ve come across common themes, such as concerns around care, what to do if someone dies and budgeting.
“It’s often the fear of the unknown that worries people. I offer clear, reliable guidance.”
Normal for Hartcliffe (NFN)
Hartcliffe and Withywood has been found to be one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England – with Harclive ranked 91st from almost 33,000 small areas across the country.
Around a third of children in the area live in poverty and it is a ward with the greatest numbers of children claiming free school meals and those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
HWCP commissioned documentaries looking into life in the area. The short film Normal for Hartcliffe reflects the acronym NFH used by support workers in the 1960s and 70s – where issues which might typically cause concern were routinely ignored in the area.
Another film taken from young people’s perspective in the community is due out this spring.
· The FinPod Community Hub visits Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP) once per month, days of which can vary, often on the second Friday of each month from 11am. For more information, visit www.hwcp.org.uk or www.milnewealth.co.uk/
· Elaine is also available for a session at another centre in Bristol on that day in the afternoon. If it is of interest to your community, get in touch through Milne Wealth.
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