New support programme helps people with money and mental health struggles

Money Wellness recently caught up with Rachel Hanson and Zeta Tse from Mind in Salford to learn more about the mental health charity’s inspiring new initiative called Money and Me.

For many, financial strain and poor mental health go hand-in-hand. According to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, more than 1.5 million people in England are living with both problem debt and mental health issues.

It’s a vicious cycle that Mind in Salford is determined to break.

What is Money and Me?

Money and Me is a six-week, one-to-one guided self-help course for adults in Salford who are struggling with money worries and mental health challenges.

“We aim to empower clients to manage both money and mental health because we're aware that mental health and money are very related,” explains Zeta.

Participants get a 45-60-minute session once a week, either face-to-face, over the phone or online, depending on their preference.

What to expect

Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs. Support workers – or navigators - help participants set personal goals, explore practical tools for managing money and mental health, and build lifelong skills.

Topics you can get help with include:

• budgeting basics
• self-compassion and journaling
• managing time and routine
• talking about money with others
• coping with anxiety and uncertainty

“It covers everything from managing your time to budgeting or how to improve your mental health by writing a diary, self-compassionate letters to yourself and breathing techniques,” says Zeta. 

Why it matters

Money problems can make mental health worse and vice versa. People may avoid paying bills due to anxiety, spend impulsively when feeling low or experience shame over debt.

“Some people don’t have a support network at home and are afraid of talking about money with their family,” says Zeta. “Even going to the bank can feel very scary for them, so we may do some roleplay to practise these conversations.”

The relief that comes with finally talking about money can be very powerful.

“There’s often an overwhelming sense of ‘finally, there’s help out there’,” Rachel says.

Who can join?

Money and Me is open to anyone over 18 who lives in Salford and is experiencing money worries and mental health struggles.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis or referral to join.

You can:

• self-refer via a quick, online form
• get referred by a health professional or community organisation
• scan a QR code on posters around Salford or drop by locations like food banks and community hubs

Part of a bigger support network

Money and Me works alongside other local services, from mental health support and debt advice to food clubs and wellbeing groups.

“It’s about making sure people gain access to the most appropriate services,” Rachel explains. “We can help them navigate the system so they receive the right specialist advice.”

Though still in its early stages after launching in February this year, the programme has already seen growing interest from individuals and organisations across Salford.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from clients so far,” Rachel shared. “Even just having that first conversation can bring clarity. They’re setting goals and seeing how the tools we offer fit into their daily lives.”

Meeting Salford’s needs

Salford has high levels of poverty and is ranked among one of the poorest areas in the country.

For residents under pressure, programmes like Money and Me can make a huge difference.

“It’s not just about paying bills,” says Zeta. “Some people are just getting by and want to have some money spare. We help them build routines, find confidence and understand their triggers.”

And it's about prevention, with the programme focusing on early support.

“We don’t want people to wait until crisis point,” Rachel says. “We’re an early intervention, a safe, confidential space where people can talk before things get overwhelming.”

The power of talking

Talking about money can feel embarrassing or shameful, especially when it’s linked to mental health.

Breaking the silence is often the first step to recovery.

“But once people start talking, they realise they’re not alone,” says Rachel.

The team also sees the value of better financial education from a young age.

“We hear it all the time, ‘why didn’t they teach us this in school?’” says Rachel. “If people learned how to manage money and emotions earlier, it would make a real difference long-term.”

Need support?

If you live in Salford and are over 18, Money and Me could be the first step toward gaining control over your finances and mental wellbeing.

Visit Mind in Salford or scan one of their local QR codes to refer yourself or someone else.

Money and Me in Salford is part of a broader rollout across other regions. Check with your local Mind to see if it’s available near you.

Remember, it’s never too early, or too late, to ask for help.