A housing association’s money advice team based in North Yorkshire has helped customers access nearly £2 million in extra support.
Broadacres Housing Association’s Money Advice Team secured £1.9 million in additional income for nearly 1,000 customers between April 2024 and March 2025.
The team supports customers facing financial challenges by helping them claim unclaimed benefits, reduce debts, and manage budgets.
John Botham, money advice service team leader at Broadacres, said: "Our work is predominantly all about helping customers fix a budget that doesn’t work for them and making sure they are not missing out on income they are entitled to."
The support has made a significant difference for many customers, including a couple with arthritis who are now £26,000 better off each year after they were helped to claim a number of benefits they did not realise they were entitled to, including Attendance Allowance.
Other examples include a single mother with health problems who was struggling to return to work.
She was advised that she could claim up to 85 per cent of her childcare costs, which changed her perspective on being able to afford to go back to work and has drastically improved her mental health too.
The team also supported a man with mental health problems who was at risk of eviction due to serious rent arrears.
He was given free professional advice and budgeting support, was referred for mental health support, and is now getting on top of his finances and maintaining his tenancy.
Mr Botham said: "This includes all the key welfare benefits, but we can also help people to get one-off benefits such as help with funeral costs or grants to buy white goods, energy or food.
"We also help people to achieve non-financial benefits as well, such as reducing their monthly outgoings if they are being overcharged for something or perhaps being scammed.
"Our work is very wide-ranging and it’s pleasing that we have been able to achieve positive outcomes for so many of our customers, however large or small."
The Broadacres Money Advice Team consists of Andrea Lowery, Diana Dixon, Lee Whitwell-Phillips, Rebecca Garrett, and Mr Botham.
Broadacres customers who feel they could benefit from the service can contact the team on 01609 767900 or by emailing moneyadvice@broadacres.org.uk.
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