With 555 clients supported and 1,324 individual cases handled, the service has provided a vital lifeline for those facing financial difficulty, helping with benefit claims, rent arrears, debt management, and crisis support. Its holistic, person-centered approach has helped people stay in their homes, reduce stress, and regain control over their finances.

Key outcomes in 2024/25 include:

    • £655,999 secured through benefit claims
    • £701,990 gained via Universal Credit awards
    • £504,910 in housing-related financial gains
    • £86,456 in grants accessed to support tenants
    • 85 households supported with furniture initiatives
    • 36 tenancies sustained for more than one year
    • 582 people reported improved mental health and wellbeing

The Money Advice Team also made 449 short-term crisis interventions, helped 84 tenants settle into new properties, and supported hundreds of clients to avoid financial hardship and strengthen their household resilience.

The service is fully accredited under the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers and is delivered by a dedicated team offering both office-based and home visit appointments, Monday to Friday.

Thanks to continued investment through the Scottish Government’s Advice in Accessible Settings Fund, the Water Row Company has confirmed that the service will continue into 2025/ 26 – including enhanced support to families via Govan HELP.

The work of the Money Advice Team goes far beyond numbers, it provides meaningful, sometimes life-changing support to those in vulnerable situations. One recent case, referred through partner organisation Govan HELP, involved a client who arrived at their appointment visibly distressed after receiving a legal notice from sheriff officers regarding an old, unfamiliar debt. The paperwork had come from Glasgow Sheriff Court and was issued by a debt recovery firm seeking payment for a historical consumer finance agreement. The client, who suffers from serious mental health issues and relies solely on disability benefits, was unsure what the notice meant or what action to take.

An experienced adviser worked quickly to put the client at ease, first conducting a benefits check to ensure he was receiving his full entitlement. They then assessed his overall financial position and provided clear, jargon-free guidance on his options. Because the client had no earned income, no savings, and no valuable assets, the adviser explained that enforcement actions like wage arrestments or bank account freezes were unlikely to apply.

Nonetheless, the client remained anxious about the potential consequences. To give them breathing space, the adviser applied for a Statutory Moratorium, which temporarily prevents creditors from taking enforcement action. The adviser also helped the client formally respond to the legal notice, challenging the debt on the grounds that the lender had failed to assess affordability at the time the credit was issued –  a requirement under the Financial Conduct Authority’s guidance.

Further medical evidence and financial documentation were submitted on the client’s behalf, and following ongoing advocacy and negotiation, the creditor agreed to withdraw the claim entirely.  The sheriff confirmed the case was dismissed with no expenses awarded, effectively writing off £1,484.83 of debt for the client – a result that brought significant relief and a marked improvement in the client’s wellbeing.

Through its work with Govan HELP, the Money Advice Team continues to make a powerful impact on families experiencing hardship.

Viv Sawers, chief executive officer at Govan HELP, said:  “Access to the money advice service through this partnership with Govan Housing Association has been an incredible addition to the support we provide to families at Govan HELP. Making this service easily accessible to local families has had a really positive impact in helping families to overcome complex challenges. The substantial financial gains, Michael has been able to achieve for families, have immediately removed some of the pressures on them but will ultimately have longer term more sustained benefits. We really value the Money Advice service and are delighted that the partnership will continue for another year. “ 

Jamie Mallan, director of community enterprises at Water Row Company, added: “Our service isn’t just about benefits or budgeting, it’s about helping people feel secure, supported, and seen. We support people through the stress of appeals, evictions, or crisis situations and help them find stability. We know many households are still struggling. This funding extension allows us to keep showing up for people when they need us most.”