Pembrokeshire Money Practitioner discusses money and mental health.

Pembrokeshire Money Practitioner discusses money and mental health, as the Money and Pensions Service shows three quarters of people with a mental health problem struggle with money. 

This week (12th – 18th May) is Mental Health Awareness Week and Pembrokeshire money practitioner, Frank Farrer, talks about the crucial links between money and mental health.   

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has researched the link between money and mental health, and in 2022 found that three quarters (74%) of people who experience a mental health problem struggle to keep up with bills and payments.   

MaPS also found that 91% of people who are struggling with mental health avoid talking about money.  

To support people with both their money and mental health, Frank works as part of the Community Fuel Guidance Team at Pembrokeshire FRAME, where he helps those across the county who are experiencing fuel poverty.   

“We support a range of people”, he says, “whether that’s those who need help making sense of their energy bills, benefit entitlements, or budgeting.”  

To ensure Frank delivers the best money guidance across Pembrokeshire, he is a member of the Money Guiders Service delivered by MaPS.  

Money Guiders is a self-development programme designed to help those who give money guidance to deliver support confidently and to give safe and effective guidance.   

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Frank comments on the relationship between money and mental health. He says:  

“There’s a massive link between money and mental health. When you’re financially stressed you might not sleep, which makes it even harder to think straight, make decisions, or even feel confident enough to ask for help.”  

“I remember one lady came to us with a form for Adult Disability Payment. She was completely overwhelmed and couldn’t even look at it properly, all she could do was fill in her name and address.”  

But when we sat with her and broke it down step-by-step, it became manageable. That’s the kind of support that helps ease anxiety around money.”  

Organised by The Mental Health Foundation, the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Community’, and in his work supporting people across Pembrokeshire, Frank comments on the importance of this, saying “Community is everything.”  

“Being part of a community means you’re visible, trusted and approachable. When we attend local events, we’re not showing up in suits with clipboards—we’re there to chat, to listen.”  

“When we meet people face-to-face, whether in local cafes, warm spaces or at events, it’s very informal and offers that sense of community. We often chat over tea and cake, and that really helps people feel comfortable to open up about money.”  

Liz Clarke, Chair at Pembrokeshire FRAME says:  

“Pembrokeshire FRAME are incredibly proud of Frank and Sue in the Community Fuel Guidance Team. They are ideally suited to this project, bringing a positive and understanding approach to people with diverse financial challenges.  

“In the last twelve months, they have given guidance to 2,065 families. We are tremendously grateful to Wales and West Utilities for continuing to fund this work which has helped so many people in our community, making a difference by making savings.”    

For anyone struggling with money, visit MoneyHelper, for free and impartial government backed guidance and tools to help you manage your money.