Money and mental health financial tool feedback report

• Description of the programme
• The study
• Key findings
• Points to consider

Description of the programme

The money and mental health question framework is a programme aimed at addressing the intersection of mental health and financial wellbeing. It involves the participation of practitioners/support workers from the South Tyneside and Sunderland Lifecycle Primary Care Mental Health Service and Tyneside and Northumberland MIND. The programme’s primary goal is to provide support and assistance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges in managing their financial situation.

The activities of the program include conducting conversations with individuals using a question framework specifically designed to explore their financial worries and struggles. These conversations are facilitated by trained practitioners/support workers who have an established relationship with the participants. The program operates within the primary care mental health service and the MIND support groups, creating a safe and familiar environment for the discussions.

The program operates in the context of providing holistic support to individuals with mental health issues by addressing their financial concerns. It recognizes the impact of financial struggles on mental wellbeing and aims to enhance the participants’ overall quality of life by offering appropriate guidance, signposting to support services, and addressing their specific needs in managing their financial situations.

The program has been implemented with multiple practitioners/support workers and has reached various individuals attending the South Tyneside and Sunderland Lifecycle Primary Care Mental Health Service as well as the Safe Spaces groups organized by Tyneside and Northumberland MIND.

The study

The study focused on evaluating the money and mental health question framework, which was implemented with practitioners/support workers and individuals accessing mental health services in South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Tyneside and Northumberland.

The research aimed to assess the effectiveness and usability of the framework in addressing the financial concerns of individuals with mental health issues. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating feedback from seven practitioners/support workers and their clients, as well as discussions within the MIND team.

It explored the views of participants regarding the tool’s support around financial worries, usability, data sharing, questions, guidance, provision of financial support, and signposting. The evaluation was commissioned to gain insights into the tool’s strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement, with a focus on refining the framework and informing its future implementation.

Key findings

• Support around financial worries: The money and mental health question framework was positively received by practitioners and support workers. They acknowledged the importance of addressing financial struggles and welcomed the inclusion of this topic in their sessions.
  • However, there were concerns about the tool being perceived as judgmental and implying that all individuals with mental health issues struggle to manage their finances. (Qualitative feedback from MIND team and STSFT mental health worker)
• Usability: The question framework was questioned in terms of its applicability for clients with paranoia and the need for clearer explanations regarding data sharing and privacy. Some respondents found the questions vague or repetitive, suggesting a more direct and streamlined approach.
• Guidance and criteria: Practitioners highlighted the need for clear guidance on when and with whom to use the tool, as well as criteria for its application. They also recommended training and support for practitioners in assisting clients with their financial situations.
• Provision of financial support: Concerns were raised about the accessibility of information and support for individuals with limited computer skills or literacy/numeracy issues. Frequent check-ins and ongoing support were deemed necessary, and practitioners expressed the need for training to adequately assist clients with financial matters.
• Signposting and support: The signposting tool was seen as helpful for clients with debt but less useful for those with general money worries. Face-to-face alternatives were suggested for individuals without internet access, and the need for inclusive support for all individuals with financial concerns was emphasized.

Points to consider

• Methodological strengths/weaknesses: The study had a relatively small sample size (9), which may limit the generalisability of the findings to a larger population.
  • The study did not include a control group for comparison, making it difficult to determine the specific impact of the intervention.
  • The feedback collected is subjective and based on self-reporting, which may be influenced by individual perspectives and experiences.
• Generalisability/ transferability: The study focused on a particular population group (individuals with mental health issues) and may not be generalizable to other populations or settings
• Relevance: The evaluation is of interest to anyone with an interest in developing tools which concern money, financial worries and debt, specifically those with mental health issues.
  • The study did not provide a detailed analysis of the specific contextual factors that may have influenced the outcomes. Understanding the broader context could help interpret the findings more accurately.
  • The feedback was obtained from individuals who participated in a specific conversation about their financial situation, and the findings may not be relevant to other contexts or interventions.
• Applicability: The study did not extensively discuss potential challenges in implementing the intervention in different contexts or settings.
  • Factors such as resource availability, training requirements, and organizational support may affect the applicability of the intervention.