Advice NI celebrates success of Theory of Change project

"I personally found each session very informative and an opportunity to get practical experience in using websites and how to find the information was a bonus."

Theory of Change course participant

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We teamed up with five organisations to deliver training that will help target groups better manage the impact of welfare reform on their financial situation, improve money management skills and access their entitlements.

Advice NI partnered with:

• Flourish NI (Survivors of Human Trafficking)
• Groundwork (Older Men)
• MACS NI (Young People Leaving Care)
• Rural Support NI and NIAPPA (The Farming Community)

To provide bespoke training to each group and the sessions were fantastically well attended with 149 people participating overall.

At the event, held at the Skainos Centre in East Belfast, we launched our Theory of Change report card to a packed audience.

We heard first-hand from both Flourish and MACS who described their experiences of the training and how it has played a major role in developing understanding of Welfare Reform and money management resources among the participants.

Our Deputy CEO, Fiona Magee, and Training Manager, Debi Madden, also described what Advice NI learned over the duration of the project, including gaining the trust of each group and methods to ensure that the participants stay engaged throughout the course.

What did we achieve?

In a short timescale we managed to deliver 49 training sessions with the creation of 25 dedicated training courses. We also trained 40 money champions that will help these vulnerable groups to identify issues and also to assist in seeking advice.

Volunteers play a vital role across Advice NI and throughout the Independent Advice Network and we provided training to volunteers that gave them all the information, tools and confidence to deliver this Welfare Reform and Financial Capability information to some of the participants that took part in the project.

The training had a significantly positive impact on the people from these five organisations. Some highlights include:

• 95% of participants reported improved knowledge and awareness of Welfare Reform, money management, and digital tools/resources available to manage their money effectively
• 99% reported improved confidence in their ability to make changes to their money management behaviours
• 98% reported improved awareness of the advice and support services available for help with Welfare Reform, money management or debt

Have a look at our Theory of Change video below to find out how successful the project was and the difference it has made in the lives' of the participants who attended.