Frontline Farnham

2023

Frontline Farnham Money Advice has continued to help those in debt or with benefits or budgeting issues to find a way through to financial stability. Where there are underlying issues that fall outside of the project’s remit (e.g. physical or mental health), clients are referred or signposted to the appropriate organisation for additional help. The project relies on grant funding and Foodbank support to continue to operate, and has increased the team of trained volunteer Debt Advisers to meet the increased client demand in response to the Cost of Living Crisis.
 
Our Branch Manager works three days a week to cope with the additional workload, working closely with Farnham Foodbank as a large proportion of FFMA clients are also Farnham Foodbank clients. We expect the ongoing surge in demand of people experiencing financial crisis and seeking help from FFMA to continue. More volunteer Debt Advisers will be recruited to meet this growing demand.

2022

Frontline Farnham Money Advice has continued to help those in debt or with benefit issues to find a way through to financial stability. It is strengthening the emphasis of budgeting, helping clients learn how to live within their means the best they can, reducing the risk of future debt issues.  The project relies on grant funding and Foodbank support to continue to operate, and has increased the team of trained volunteer Debt Advisers to meet the increased client demand in response to the Cost of Living Crisis.

Our Branch Manager works three days a week to cope with the additional workload, working closely with Farnham Foodbank as a large proportion of FFMA clients are also Farnham Foodbank clients. We expect the ongoing surge in demand of people experiencing financial crisis and seeking help from FFMA to continue. More volunteer Debt Advisers are being recruited to meet this growing demand.

2021

Frontline Farnham has continued to help those in debt or with benefit issues to find a way through to financial stability. It also helps clients set budgets and retake control of and manage their personal finance.  The project is still finding it a challenge to break even and support the volume of clients that need help, however the team has also grown with several newly trained Debt Advisers.  

Our Branch Manager increased their hours from two days a week to three to cope with the additional workload but we are considering needing further resources in the next 12 months, as we also support many Farnham Foodbank clients as well. We expect the surge in demand of people experiencing financial crisis and seeking help from Frontline Farnham to continue. More Debt Advisers are being recruited to meet this growing demand.

2020

Frontline Farnham has continued to help those in debt or with benefit issues to find a way through to financial stability. It also helps clients set budgets and retake control of and manage their personal finance. It was decided in 2020 to seek to employ a part-time Project Manager due to the expected increase in financial challenges facing many people from the pandemic. The new Project Manager started in August of 2020 and is working closely with the Foodbank and PALS projects to support existing clients, alongside seeking to reach out to others in the town. The team has also grown with several newly trained Debt Advisers. COVID-19 has undoubtedly brought new and increased financial pressure on individuals and families. With the government currently constraining bailiff and creditor recovery activity and tenant evictions for non-payment, many people with increasing debt are apparently coping. However once the constraints on debt recovery are lifted, we expect to see a surge of demand of people entering financial crisis and seeking help from Frontline Farnham. More Debt Advisers are being recruited to meet the growing demand.

2019

In 2019 Farnham Money Advice, continued to help those in debt or with benefit issues to find a way through to financial stability. It also provided help in setting budgets and taking positive responsibility for handling personal finance. Our new project manager was quick to take action in building on the relationship between Farnham Foodbank and Money Advice, with the two now meeting at the same day and time each week to offer clients the best opportunity for support. The team also decided to bring the project more closely inline with the parent Frontline Debt Advice branding, and have switched from Farnham Money Advice to Frontline Farnham - Money, Benefits & Debt Advice.

2018

In 2018 Farnham Money Advice, continues to help those in debt or with benefit issues to find a way through to financial stability. It also provides a hope in setting budgets and taking positive responsibility for handling personal finance. This year we saw our project leader step down due to ill health but wonderfully we had one of the team step up to lead the project. With a focus needed on both fundraising and awareness for this project, we hope that the coming year will prove fruitful in these areas.

2017

In 2017 the Farnham Christian Community Trust (FCCT) introduced a new project into its portfolio, Farnham Money Advice, for clients who are struggling with their finances. The project offered clients free help with debt, benefits and budgeting. During the start-up phase the Farnham Office Manager attended a 2 day ‘Frontline’ training course and worked with the Haslemere office to receive on the job training. Various resources were developed including a Farnham Money Advice web site, video and leaflets in various sizes. Advisors attended the two day ‘Frontline’ training course and office equipment including four laptops, a filing cabinet, printer and screens were acquired. Since commencement of operations the advice office, at the Vineyard Centre has opened every Tuesday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm. Advisors have seen clients on an appointment or drop in basis, working with them to gather data regarding debts and benefits and to develop a financial model. Advisors then work with the client and their creditors to develop an optimum payment plan. The project ensures that advisors continue to receive ongoing training in order to offer the best service.