Supporting People Through Financial Challenges: Peer Learning & Exchange

Across Greater Manchester, our frontline workforce continues to play a vital role in supporting people experiencing financial hardship — from helping residents access welfare advice, to spotting the early signs of debt stress, loan shark activity, or gambling harm.

This interactive session will bring together experts and frontline colleagues to explore the range of support available, share best practice, and identify what additional tools or training could strengthen our collective response.

💡 Guest Speakers

• Pete Shrone, Stop Loan Sharks England – Tackling illegal money lending and how to identify and support people at risk. (Pete.Shone@birmingham.gov.uk)

• Stuart Dagg, Citizens Advice – The local and national picture of financial support and welfare access.

• Elaine Morgan, GMCA Strategy & Reform – Overview of GM’s wider financial wellbeing priorities and exploring potential workforce development training offers.

• (TBC) NHS Northern Gambling Service – Understanding gambling-related harm and pathways for support.

Following presentations, there will be a facilitated peer-led conversation to share experiences, challenges, and examples of good practice from across different roles and localities — from Social Prescribing Link Workers and ABEN teams to Housing First and Community Development roles.

Who should attend

Anyone in a frontline role across Greater Manchester supporting people holistically, person-centred, and asset-based — including those in housing, welfare, social prescribing, community, or multiple disadvantage roles.