Our Welfare Coaches offer information and advice for local people needing support with particular issues such as benefits, housing, money management and more. See what a typical day for Debbie looks like as a Welfare Coach specialising in money management:
A typical day starts very early for Debbie at 6am, with either a run, 5km walk or weight lifting session, followed by a nice strong black coffee.
What's a typical morning look like?
I'll check my emails and the calendar for the week ahead so I can get everything ready. If I’m visiting clients I'll do some prep work to ensure I have everything available, for example knowing the latest help, support and funding available for everyone.
My visits as are very varied, they can range from 1 to 3 hours, supporting clients to take the initial first steps to get professional debt advice, to supporting them to put it into practice; helping them plan a monthly budget for their income v outgoings and sticking to it, looking at creative ways to help a client save money or increase their income and supporting them to achieve these goals; supporting clients to manage their debts by helping them contacting their creditors – this can be really tough for some people to do.
I may also be running one of my courses – so pre-planning takes time to ensure they hit the spot!
If I have time over lunch I'll go for a run or a walk, if not I like to just sit outside and enjoy the fresh air - unless it's raining! Then I'll eat a healthy lunch and think about the dreaded question... what's for tea?!
What's the rest of the afternoon look like?
If I’m not on a home visit, I’ll be calling clients to check in and see how they’re getting on, calling new clients and understanding their needs, or possibly completing research or reaching out to colleagues or other professionals that may be able to support some of my client's needs. Sometimes I'll be completing my own training to ensure I have the most up to date skills and knowledge to do my job the very best I can.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
Working part time - getting enough hours in the day to help as many people as possible and the long wait times getting through to providers! My clients laugh as I've got multiple dialling techniques off to a fine art now... and I’ve worked out the times and days some of the services are a bit quieter (well, on the odd occasion I get it right!).
I’m often told I have the patience of a saint trying to get in contact with the right person that can help - oh and form filling! Why so many forms and repetitive questions?!
If you think you'd benefit from some support from Debbie, get in touch with her on 07923 806 472 or debbie.grayson@soarcommunity.org.uk.