This service is available to the residents of:
There is a well-established link between financial struggles and poor mental health. The WAFER service aims to bridge this gap by placing our specialist mental health workers within Citizens Advice offices, allowing us to offer joined-up support to people experiencing financial and emotional difficulties. We’re also delivering tailored mental health training to staff across the four Local Citizens Advice branches involved (Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth and Westminster.)
This innovative pilot, funded by City Bridge Foundation, is designed to test a more integrated model of care bringing together mental health and financial advice in one place. After four years, we will share key learnings to inform future services. If you’d like to read further on about this service, you can read more in our news story here.
The service is open to anyone who meets the following 3 criteria:
Support is offered in person at Citizens Advice offices or local community hubs, and online, based on your preferences.
Once you have been referred by your Local Citizens Advice advisor, the team will determine whether we are able to offer you an initial assessment. This assessment aims to determine your support needs and if these are able to be met by the service. If, following the initial assessment, we feel we are able to support you, we will make a recommendation as to the type of support to start with.
We offer a variety of interventions, including wellbeing workshops, individual sessions, and groups, or a combination depending on your needs. The type of support that’s right for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Take part in one-off workshops exploring key areas of mental wellbeing such as money and mental health or food and mood. These sessions provide tips, tools, and new ways to think about your wellbeing. They’re a great starting point for anyone wanting to build confidence in managing their wellbeing.
Join a supportive group for 6–12 weekly sessions focused on developing knowledge and practical skills around topics like stress management and sleep hygiene. These groups combine learning and discussion to help you better understand your mental health and build strategies to improve your wellbeing.
Work with a Mental Health Advisor for approximately 6 sessions to focus on your wellbeing goals. Together you’ll create a personalised plan, identify triggers, and build coping strategies. Sessions can cover a range of topics, including self-esteem, anxiety, and managing daily stress in a practical and supportive way.
Access approximately 8 sessions with a qualified counsellor for more in-depth, therapeutic mental health support. Counselling offers a safe space to explore your experiences, emotions, and patterns of behaviour, helping you understand yourself better and develop tools to improve your mental health and wellbeing long-term.
Referrals to this service can only be made by Local Citizens Advice staff. Local Citizens Advice staff in Brent, Wandsworth, Westminster, and Kensington & Chelsea can refer clients by completing the referral form below.
If you’re currently receiving advice and think this support could help, please speak to your advisor. They can discuss your needs and make a referral on your behalf.
If you’re a staff member at one of our four Local Citizens Advice partners and would like to learn more about the service or the referral process, please email [email protected].
