Lyons launches new campaign to encourage people to Make the Call
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched an advertising campaign for his Department’s Make the Call service, which aims to reach people who may need personalised help, including older people, people with disabilities or struggling families.
COMMUNITIES Minister Gordon Lyons has launched an advertising campaign for his Department’s Make the Call service.
Speaking during Talk Money Week, an annual UK-wide campaign designed to encourage open conversations about personal finance, Minister Lyons said: “Accessing financial support can be daunting.
“The Make the Call service helps to connect people to both financial and other supports that boost capacity and well-being.
“This can include blue badges and bus passes to help get around; connection to community groups to enhance social independence; support with health and energy costs; and home safety checks.”
The refreshed advertising campaign for the Make the Call Service aims to reach people who may need personalised help, including older people, people with disabilities or struggling families.
Minister Lyons continued: “On taking up office, I set out my ambition to deliver policies and programmes that make a real and lasting difference.
“I want to see a Northern Ireland where everyone has a warm, secure home, enough income to pay for the essentials and access to employment.
“Our advice services play a key role in helping improve lives and well-being and are a cornerstone of our strategic work on Warm Healthy Homes, Housing Supply, Disability and Work and the development of the Anti-Poverty Strategy.”
The Minister concluded: “Talk Money Week reminds us that when it comes to financial wellbeing, ‘It All Counts’. Whether it is checking what support you may be entitled to, planning for the future or seeking advice early, small actions can make a real difference.
“The Make the Call service is one example of how people can access personalised support, information and advice when they need it most."
The Make the Call Service currently helps more than 11,000 people each year with individualised advice through phone and outreach services.
Earlier this year the Department extended its targeted advice services with the launch of the Veterans Support Line NI.
The Department also provides a range of advice services through its Jobs and Benefits networks in communities across Northern Ireland, in conjunction with AdviceNI and the Northern Ireland Debt Advice Service as well as comprehensive advice online.
The Department also seeks to maximise opportunities with key collaborators such as the Money and Pensions Service.
Janine Maher, Northern Ireland manager at the Money and Pensions Service, said: "Right now, many people across Northern Ireland are under financial pressure.
“Rising costs, unexpected expenses and wider economic uncertainty can make managing money feel overwhelming, but you are not alone.
“This Talk Money Week I would encourage everyone to take that first step towards feeling more confident and in control of their financial future.
“Even small changes can make a big difference.”
To 'Make the Call' you can phone 0800 232 1271 or text ADVICE to 079 8440 5248.
Visit nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall or email [email protected]