Advice Saves Week: Why Independent Advice Matters
John Edgar • 20 October 2026
Advice Saves Week (19 - 23 October 2026) celebrates the life-changing impact of free, independent advice and highlights why advice services must be recognised as essential local services.
Everyone deserves access to the right advice when they need it. Yet when someone is struggling with debt, facing housing difficulties, experiencing financial hardship or trying to navigate a complicated benefits system, knowing where to turn can often be difficult.
Getting the right advice at the right time can make all the difference. It can help people understand their rights, access the support they're entitled to, resolve problems before they escalate and regain confidence during some of life's most challenging moments.
That's the message behind Advice Saves, the annual campaign led by AdviceUK to celebrate the work of advice organisations across the UK and champion the importance of sustainable, long-term investment in the advice sector.
The difference advice makes
The impact of advice extends far beyond resolving an immediate problem.
For someone struggling to keep up with household bills, advice might help them access financial support they didn't know they were entitled to. For someone facing the possibility of losing their home, it could help them understand their rights, options and take steps to prevent homelessness. For someone dealing with unmanageable debt, it can provide a practical route towards greater financial stability.
Just as importantly, advice can reduce stress, restore confidence and help people feel less alone when circumstances become overwhelming.
This is often reflected in the feedback we regularly receive from our clients::
“Thanks so much for all your help and support. It’s been a struggle the last year and I couldn’t have dealt with it all without your support.”
Behind every successful outcome is a person whose circumstances matter. Advice is not simply about providing information; it's about understanding individual situations, explaining available options and helping people make informed decisions about their futures.
Why advice services are essential to our communities
Professional, independent advice services play such an important role in helping individuals and families navigate an increasingly complex range of financial, housing and welfare challenges.
They can also help prevent difficulties from becoming crises. Early intervention can reduce the risk of escalating debt, housing insecurity and financial hardship, while helping people access the right support before their circumstances deteriorate.
This can benefit not only the individual receiving advice, but also their families, communities and other public services.
However, advice organisations are operating in a challenging environment. Growing demand, increasingly complex cases and uncertainty around funding can make it difficult to ensure that support remains accessible to everyone who needs it.
Advice services cannot be expected to meet growing needs indefinitely without the resources to do so.
Advice Saves Week is call for sustainable, ring-fenced funding for the advice sector and a national advice workforce strategy that recognises and supports the skilled workforce delivering these vital services.
These are important steps towards ensuring that independent advice remains available to communities, both now and in the future.
Looking beyond today's problems
While advice is vital when people are currently facing difficulties, there is also an important role for prevention.
Helping people understand their rights, manage their money effectively, recognise financial risks and make informed decisions can strengthen their ability to deal with challenges before they become overwhelming.
Financial education and early support are important parts of this picture. By giving people the knowledge and confidence to navigate financial and housing decisions, we can help build stronger foundations for the future.
This is particularly important for younger generations. Improving financial knowledge and understanding today can help people make informed choices throughout their lives, alongside ensuring that appropriate advice remains available whenever circumstances change.
CHAP: More than 25 years of supporting people
CHAP has been providing free, independent and confidential advice to people across Ayrshire for more than 25 years; supporting individuals and families with housing, welfare rights and money-related issues.
Our work reflects the wider importance of independent advice: helping people understand their options, access the support available to them and find a way forward when they face difficult circumstances.
Alongside our advice services, CHAP also delivers financial education to young people, helping them develop practical knowledge and skills around money management, budgeting, credit and independent living.
We see every day why accessible, reliable advice matters. But we also recognise that CHAP is part of a much wider network of organisations working across the UK to support people and strengthen communities.
Advice Saves Week is an opportunity to recognise the collective contribution of these services and the dedicated people who deliver them.
Advice saves. Investment matters.
Everyone should be able to access good-quality, independent advice when they need it, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.
Achieving this requires more than recognising the value of advice. It requires a commitment to the long-term funding, skilled workforce and resources that allow advice organisations to plan ahead, respond to demand and continue delivering effective support.
This Advice Saves Week, we're proud to stand alongside AdviceUK and advice organisations across Scotland in highlighting the difference advice makes and calling for the investment needed to protect these essential services.
Because when people receive the right advice at the right time, it can literally change the course of their lives - and that helps to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Hope. Help. Home.
If you, or someone you know, need advice then please call Freephone 030 0002 0002 to arrange an appointment.
Find out more about the campaign:
https://www.adviceuk.org.uk/advicesaves/
We were delighted to welcome Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development, to the CHAP office on October 7th. During her visit, the Minister met with CHAP staff and trustees and heard about the vital work we do across housing, homelessness, welfare rights, money and debt, as well as our Education Service and preventative work with young people. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges facing individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, housing difficulties and debt, and the important role played by independent advice organisations in helping people to access the support and additional income which they could be entitled to. In 2025, CHAP secured more than £4.278 million in financial gains for the people it supported, demonstrating the significant impact that professional advice can have on financial wellbeing and security. Debbie Alexander, CEO of CHAP, said: “ We were absolutely delighted to welcome Minister Kumar to CHAP and to have the opportunity to showcase the breadth of our work over the last 25 years. It was especially valuable to discuss the challenges we are seeing through increased demand for our services and the difference that accessible advice can make to individuals and families across Ayrshire communities – particularly at a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to stretch household budgets .” Ms. Kumar also heard about our award-winning Education Service, which provides financial, housing and independent living education to pupils and young people. CHAP has been delivering homelessness awareness and financial education sessions in North Ayrshire secondary schools since 2005, with the programme covering practical subjects including budgeting, banking, saving, credit scores, debt, future planning, pensions, housing and preparing for independent living. Our Education Team also delivered sessions in Dumfries & Galloway, where the Life Skills programme was recently recognised with winning the Climate Action Award at the Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards. Robin Ballantyne, Head of Education, said: “ It was fantastic to share details of our Education Service with the Minister and highlight why financial education is so important for the next generation. We’re committed to preparing young people for a future beyond the classroom, and we know that giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions can help build greater financial resilience later in life .” The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on CHAP's history and development, with our charity marking 25 years of service at an anniversary event held at the Scottish Parliament last year. The Minister's portfolio includes responsibility for welfare and debt advice services, making the visit an opportunity to discuss the vital role that independent advice organisations play in supporting people and communities across Scotland. Equalities and International Development Minister Simita Kumar said: " Advice services like those provided by CHAP are critical to Scotland's communities, helping people understand their rights and entitlements, maximise their incomes and reduce poverty. During Challenge Poverty Week , I want to thank CHAP's staff and trustees for the dedication and expertise they bring to this vital work, and to recognise the crucial contribution the organisation has made over the past 25 years. We recognise the important role that third sector advice providers like CHAP play in our collective response to eradicating poverty and preventing homelessness, and we value CHAP's ongoing commitment to helping people take up the financial support they are entitled to ." Debbie concluded: “ We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Minister Kumar and her team and would like to thank them for taking the time to visit CHAP and meet with our staff and trustees. The visit was a great opportunity to share our experiences, highlight the impact of our work and explore further opportunities to tackle poverty and homelessness, reduce inequality and improve outcomes for people across our communities .” The visit was a great opportunity to share our experiences, highlight the difference independent advice can make and discuss further opportunities to help reduce poverty and homelessness and promote greater equality across our communities. We were delighted to meet with Ms. Kumar and her team and would like to thank them for taking the time to visit CHAP. Left to right: Robin Ballantyne (Head of Education, CHAP), Ray Chaney (Chairperson, CHAP Board of Trustees), Debbie Alexander (Chief Executive Officer, CHAP), Simita Kumar MSP (Minister for Equalities and International Development) and Jim Munro (CHAP Trustee)
Since 2005, CHAP's award-winning Education service has been helping young people build the practical financial, housing and independent living skills they need for life beyond school. While the start of a new term means a return to lessons, homework and exams, it's also an important time for young people to start thinking about the life skills they'll need beyond the classroom. That's where CHAP's Education Team comes in. Our team is already busy delivering practical and interactive sessions in secondary schools across North Ayrshire. The sessions are specifically designed to help young people build the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to make informed decisions about money, housing and independent living. More than just learning about money Financial education isn't simply about knowing how to write a budget or understanding the difference between a debit and credit card. For young people, developing financial confidence can help them make better decisions at some of the biggest transition points in their lives - leaving school, starting work, going to college or university, moving away from home and managing a household for the first time. Our workshops explore real-life situations and encourage pupils to think about the choices and responsibilities that come with becoming more independent. Topics include: Banking and managing money Budgeting and household finances Saving and planning for the future Understanding credit scores and APR Avoiding debt and financial difficulties Pensions and long-term financial planning Housing options and tenancy responsibilities Homelessness awareness and prevention Student accommodation and independent living Student finance, SAAS and student loans Sessions are tailored to the age and experience of each group, making sure the information is relevant and accessible. Preparing young people for real life One of the things that makes our Education Service different is its focus on practical, everyday situations. Rather than simply talking at young people, our team gets them involved. Sessions can include games, quizzes, group discussions, practical budgeting exercises, educational films and real-life scenarios and case studies. This helps pupils explore situations they may encounter themselves and consider how they would respond. For example, what happens when your wages need to cover rent, energy, food, travel and other household costs? What does it really mean to take out credit? How much does it cost to live independently? What should you consider before signing a tenancy agreement? And what happens if things don't go according to plan? These are the kinds of questions that can help young people develop confidence before they are faced with these decisions for themselves. Helping prevent youth homelessness The topics of housing and homelessness are also a core aspect of our Education service. Homelessness can affect anyone, and one of our aims is to challenge some of the misconceptions and stigma that still surround it. Our homelessness prevention sessions help pupils understand some of the reasons people can become homeless, the realities of homelessness and where support is available. We also explore housing rights and responsibilities and the importance of making informed decisions before leaving home. The aim isn't to frighten young people - it's to give them the knowledge they need to make informed choices and know where to turn if they, or someone they know, needs help. As one pupil told us after a previous session: " I knew homelessness existed, but I didn't know how easy it could catch up on you ." That simple comment highlights why this vital work matters. Building skills early We believe financial education works best when young people have the opportunity to develop their knowledge over time. That's why CHAP's Education Service has continued to evolve and expand. The service began in 2005, initially focusing on homelessness awareness and prevention. Financial education was introduced in 2015, and since then the programme has continued to grow, including expanded Life Skills and financial education sessions for younger pupils. Today, our Education Team supports pupils from S1 through to S6, with sessions designed around the different challenges and decisions young people face as they progress through secondary school. Reaching more young people Our work continues to grow beyond North Ayrshire too. Alongside our long-standing programme supporting all nine North Ayrshire secondary schools, additional partnerships and funding have also allowed us to expand our delivery into secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway. In 2025 alone, CHAP's Education Service reached 5,617 young people. This included: 1,144 pupils through PSE homelessness prevention sessions 899 senior pupils through Advanced Finance workshops 250 senior pupils through Advanced Housing workshops 308 sixth-year pupils through Student Accommodation workshops Behind every number is a young person gaining knowledge that could help them make a more confident decision in the future. Why financial education matters Young people are growing up in a world where financial decisions can be complicated. Credit is readily available. Online shopping makes spending incredibly easy. Housing costs are high, and understanding bills, contracts, borrowing and financial support can feel overwhelming even for adults. Giving young people the opportunity to develop these skills before they need them can help them recognise potential problems, make informed choices and know where to look for help. As one pupil told us: " To start planning for the future now to set you up for success later in life ." That's exactly what we're trying to achieve. A new school year, a new opportunity As pupils have now settled into another year of school, our Education Team is looking forward to another busy programme of workshops, conversations and activities across North Ayrshire and beyond. We're proud of the relationships we've built with schools and partners over the years, and we're excited about continuing to develop the service and reach even more young people. Because financial confidence isn't something that has to wait until adulthood. The earlier we start giving young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions, the better prepared they can be for whatever comes next . For more information, please visit https://www.chap.org.uk/education or call 030 0002 0002.
CHAP was thrilled to receive the prestigious ‘Climate Action’ award at the recent Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards in recognition of the delivery of its Life Skills programme as part of the Morgan Sindall Just Transition initiative to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. Through practical and engaging sessions, CHAP's Education Team helps young people develop an understanding of essential money skills including budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and the real-life cost of everyday living. The programme demonstrates that effective climate action is not only about reducing carbon emissions but also about creating resilient, sustainable communities – with teaching skills that help young people to navigate future economic challenges while fostering behaviours that support more sustainable lifestyles. Elizabeth Halliday, Head of Responsible Business at Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said: “ CHAP’s Life Skills programme is a brilliant example of climate action and social action going hand in hand; and reflects exactly what we hoped to achieve when we launched our Just Transition initiative. By giving young people the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, the programme is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities and create a fairer, more inclusive transition to a low-carbon future. “At Morgan Sindall Construction, we’re proud to play a part in this through our supply chain partnership. This award is thoroughly deserved recognition of the positive difference CHAP is making to young people across Dumfries & Galloway .” CHAP is grateful for the strong relationship it has developed with Morgan Sindall Construction over the last year and the support the company has provided to its education and wider community work. The partnership also has an important local connection - with Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE Scotland currently delivering the new Ardrossan Community Campus. The photo above shows Elizabeth Halliday presenting the award to Robin Ballantyne, Head of Education, alongside our CEO, Debbie Alexander. Robin said: " We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award and incredibly proud that our team's work has been recognised in this way. Financial education is such an important part of preparing young people for a future beyond the classroom, and we know that giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions can help build greater financial resilience later in life. We’re particularly pleased that the award highlights the wider social impact of our work and we’re extremely grateful to Morgan Sindall for their continued support ." In addition to providing free advice and support for housing, debt, and welfare issues, CHAP’s education programme equips young people across Ayrshire and beyond with practical financial, housing and independent living skills that support safer, more confident transitions into adult life. For more information about our Life Skills programme, please visit the Education page.
NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position Help shape how CHAP works and volunteers thrive! Operations & Volunteering Lead Salary: £26,000 per annum Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Location: Based in Ardrossan (occasional travel to other CHAP locations may be required) Contract: Fixed term (12 months) Closing Date: Friday 25 th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 9th October Are you organised, people-focused and full of ideas about how to make things work better? CHAP is looking for an Operations and Volunteering Lead to strengthen our day-to-day operations and help us build an inclusive and rewarding volunteering programme. This is a new role with plenty of scope to make it your own. You will work across the organisation, leading our administrative function, supporting the team and improving the systems and processes that help our services run smoothly. You will also take the lead in developing volunteering at CHAP. From creating meaningful roles and welcoming new volunteers to coordinating training, support and recognition, you will help shape a positive experience for everyone who gives their time to support our work. About CHAP CHAP provides free, independent advice and advocacy across Ayrshire. We support people with housing, welfare rights, debt and related issues, helping them understand their rights, resolve problems and improve their circumstances. By helping our operations run effectively and developing volunteering across CHAP, you will play an important part in strengthening the services we provide to local people. CHAP is a Living Wage, Living Hours and Equal Opportunities employer. What you'll be doing You will: Provide day-to-day leadership and support to our administrative team; help ensure our telephone, reception, referral and appointment arrangements work effectively; identify practical ways to improve systems, processes and workflows; lead or support projects that strengthen how we work; coordinate volunteer recruitment, induction, training and ongoing support; and help create an inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued and able to contribute. This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Whether helping someone avoid homelessness, maximise their income, challenge a decision or overcome debt problems, your work will make a genuine difference. Could this be you? You may already work in operations, office coordination, team support, recruitment, community work or volunteering. You do not need to have held this exact job title before . We would love to hear from you if you: enjoy bringing structure to busy environments; can coordinate people, workloads and projects; provide supportive and confident day-to-day leadership; communicate clearly and build positive relationships; are comfortable using standard IT systems; can spot where something could work better and help make it happen; and are enthusiastic about creating a positive experience for staff and volunteers. Previous experience of coordinating volunteers would be helpful, but it is not essential. We're interested in your transferable skills, your approach and the contribution you could make. How to apply For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us on 030 0002 0002 . To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role to: enquiries@chap.org.uk . Alternatively, you can download an application form , complete it and email to enquiries@chap.org.uk . You can also download our recruitment privacy policy . Operations and Volunteering Lead Job Description Closing Date: Friday 25th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 9th October This post is subject to satisfactory references and PVG Scheme membership. CHAP is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives? Information & Advice Officer Salary: £25,000 per annum Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Location: Based in Ardrossan (with travel required across Ayrshire) Contract: Fixed term (12 months) Closing Date: Friday 25 th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 2 nd October CHAP is looking for an Information & Advice Officer to join our growing team and help support people facing some of life's most difficult challenges. Every day, we work alongside individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties, financial hardship, debt problems and welfare rights issues. We provide free, independent advice, advocacy and representation, helping people understand their rights, access support and overcome barriers. In 2025 alone, CHAP secured over £4.2 million in financial gains for people across Ayrshire. We are proud of the difference we make, but we know there is more to do. Demand for our services continues to grow, with increasing numbers of people seeking support with housing, debt and welfare rights issues. These new posts will help us reach more people, earlier, and provide the support they need before problems reach crisis point. About CHAP CHAP is an independent charity providing specialist housing, welfare rights and debt advice throughout Ayrshire. As the only organisation in Ayrshire accredited to deliver Scottish National Standards Type III advice across all three areas, we provide practical support to people facing a wide range of challenges. We help people understand their options, navigate complex systems and access the support they need. We exist to provide hope and to stand alongside our clients as they deal with some of life's most difficult circumstances. What you'll be doing This role involves working directly with individuals and families experiencing a range of housing, welfare rights, and financial issues. You will: Provide information, advice and advocacy to clients. Support people to understand their rights, options and available support. Work with clients to identify solutions and achieve positive outcomes. Represent and negotiate on behalf of clients where appropriate. Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate case records. Work closely with partner organisations to ensure clients receive the support they need. Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality advice and advocacy service. This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Whether helping someone avoid homelessness, maximise their income, challenge a decision or overcome debt problems, your work will make a genuine difference. Could this be you? We are looking for people who share our commitment to helping others and who believe everyone deserves access to high-quality advice and support. You may already have experience in advice work, advocacy, housing, welfare rights, debt advice, employability, social work, community development, support work or similar fields. Most importantly, you will be someone who: Has experience supporting people facing difficult circumstances. Can build positive relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Is organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload. Has a genuine desire to help others. Is willing to learn and develop new skills. Can work independently and as part of a supportive team. Experience of welfare rights, debt advice, housing advice or advocacy work would be advantageous. However, we are committed to supporting the successful candidates through training, supervision and professional development. In return we offer The opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives A supportive and experienced team environment Ongoing training, supervision and professional development. The opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills within an accredited advice service. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential as travel throughout Ayrshire will be required. How to apply For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us on 030 0002 0002 . To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role to: enquiries@chap.org.uk . Alternatively, you can download an application form , complete it and email to enquiries@chap.org.uk . You can also download our recruitment privacy policy . Information and Advice Officer Job Description Closing Date: Friday 25th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 2nd October This post is subject to satisfactory references and PVG Scheme membership. CHAP is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Share this story, choose your platform
We were delighted to welcome Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development, to the CHAP office on October 7th. During her visit, the Minister met with CHAP staff and trustees and heard about the vital work we do across housing, homelessness, welfare rights, money and debt, as well as our Education Service and preventative work with young people. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges facing individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, housing difficulties and debt, and the important role played by independent advice organisations in helping people to access the support and additional income which they could be entitled to. In 2025, CHAP secured more than £4.278 million in financial gains for the people it supported, demonstrating the significant impact that professional advice can have on financial wellbeing and security. Debbie Alexander, CEO of CHAP, said: “ We were absolutely delighted to welcome Minister Kumar to CHAP and to have the opportunity to showcase the breadth of our work over the last 25 years. It was especially valuable to discuss the challenges we are seeing through increased demand for our services and the difference that accessible advice can make to individuals and families across Ayrshire communities – particularly at a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to stretch household budgets .” Ms. Kumar also heard about our award-winning Education Service, which provides financial, housing and independent living education to pupils and young people. CHAP has been delivering homelessness awareness and financial education sessions in North Ayrshire secondary schools since 2005, with the programme covering practical subjects including budgeting, banking, saving, credit scores, debt, future planning, pensions, housing and preparing for independent living. Our Education Team also delivered sessions in Dumfries & Galloway, where the Life Skills programme was recently recognised with winning the Climate Action Award at the Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards. Robin Ballantyne, Head of Education, said: “ It was fantastic to share details of our Education Service with the Minister and highlight why financial education is so important for the next generation. We’re committed to preparing young people for a future beyond the classroom, and we know that giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions can help build greater financial resilience later in life .” The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on CHAP's history and development, with our charity marking 25 years of service at an anniversary event held at the Scottish Parliament last year. The Minister's portfolio includes responsibility for welfare and debt advice services, making the visit an opportunity to discuss the vital role that independent advice organisations play in supporting people and communities across Scotland. Equalities and International Development Minister Simita Kumar said: " Advice services like those provided by CHAP are critical to Scotland's communities, helping people understand their rights and entitlements, maximise their incomes and reduce poverty. During Challenge Poverty Week , I want to thank CHAP's staff and trustees for the dedication and expertise they bring to this vital work, and to recognise the crucial contribution the organisation has made over the past 25 years. We recognise the important role that third sector advice providers like CHAP play in our collective response to eradicating poverty and preventing homelessness, and we value CHAP's ongoing commitment to helping people take up the financial support they are entitled to ." Debbie concluded: “ We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Minister Kumar and her team and would like to thank them for taking the time to visit CHAP and meet with our staff and trustees. The visit was a great opportunity to share our experiences, highlight the impact of our work and explore further opportunities to tackle poverty and homelessness, reduce inequality and improve outcomes for people across our communities .” The visit was a great opportunity to share our experiences, highlight the difference independent advice can make and discuss further opportunities to help reduce poverty and homelessness and promote greater equality across our communities. We were delighted to meet with Ms. Kumar and her team and would like to thank them for taking the time to visit CHAP. Left to right: Robin Ballantyne (Head of Education, CHAP), Ray Chaney (Chairperson, CHAP Board of Trustees), Debbie Alexander (Chief Executive Officer, CHAP), Simita Kumar MSP (Minister for Equalities and International Development) and Jim Munro (CHAP Trustee)
Since 2005, CHAP's award-winning Education service has been helping young people build the practical financial, housing and independent living skills they need for life beyond school. While the start of a new term means a return to lessons, homework and exams, it's also an important time for young people to start thinking about the life skills they'll need beyond the classroom. That's where CHAP's Education Team comes in. Our team is already busy delivering practical and interactive sessions in secondary schools across North Ayrshire. The sessions are specifically designed to help young people build the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to make informed decisions about money, housing and independent living. More than just learning about money Financial education isn't simply about knowing how to write a budget or understanding the difference between a debit and credit card. For young people, developing financial confidence can help them make better decisions at some of the biggest transition points in their lives - leaving school, starting work, going to college or university, moving away from home and managing a household for the first time. Our workshops explore real-life situations and encourage pupils to think about the choices and responsibilities that come with becoming more independent. Topics include: Banking and managing money Budgeting and household finances Saving and planning for the future Understanding credit scores and APR Avoiding debt and financial difficulties Pensions and long-term financial planning Housing options and tenancy responsibilities Homelessness awareness and prevention Student accommodation and independent living Student finance, SAAS and student loans Sessions are tailored to the age and experience of each group, making sure the information is relevant and accessible. Preparing young people for real life One of the things that makes our Education Service different is its focus on practical, everyday situations. Rather than simply talking at young people, our team gets them involved. Sessions can include games, quizzes, group discussions, practical budgeting exercises, educational films and real-life scenarios and case studies. This helps pupils explore situations they may encounter themselves and consider how they would respond. For example, what happens when your wages need to cover rent, energy, food, travel and other household costs? What does it really mean to take out credit? How much does it cost to live independently? What should you consider before signing a tenancy agreement? And what happens if things don't go according to plan? These are the kinds of questions that can help young people develop confidence before they are faced with these decisions for themselves. Helping prevent youth homelessness The topics of housing and homelessness are also a core aspect of our Education service. Homelessness can affect anyone, and one of our aims is to challenge some of the misconceptions and stigma that still surround it. Our homelessness prevention sessions help pupils understand some of the reasons people can become homeless, the realities of homelessness and where support is available. We also explore housing rights and responsibilities and the importance of making informed decisions before leaving home. The aim isn't to frighten young people - it's to give them the knowledge they need to make informed choices and know where to turn if they, or someone they know, needs help. As one pupil told us after a previous session: " I knew homelessness existed, but I didn't know how easy it could catch up on you ." That simple comment highlights why this vital work matters. Building skills early We believe financial education works best when young people have the opportunity to develop their knowledge over time. That's why CHAP's Education Service has continued to evolve and expand. The service began in 2005, initially focusing on homelessness awareness and prevention. Financial education was introduced in 2015, and since then the programme has continued to grow, including expanded Life Skills and financial education sessions for younger pupils. Today, our Education Team supports pupils from S1 through to S6, with sessions designed around the different challenges and decisions young people face as they progress through secondary school. Reaching more young people Our work continues to grow beyond North Ayrshire too. Alongside our long-standing programme supporting all nine North Ayrshire secondary schools, additional partnerships and funding have also allowed us to expand our delivery into secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway. In 2025 alone, CHAP's Education Service reached 5,617 young people. This included: 1,144 pupils through PSE homelessness prevention sessions 899 senior pupils through Advanced Finance workshops 250 senior pupils through Advanced Housing workshops 308 sixth-year pupils through Student Accommodation workshops Behind every number is a young person gaining knowledge that could help them make a more confident decision in the future. Why financial education matters Young people are growing up in a world where financial decisions can be complicated. Credit is readily available. Online shopping makes spending incredibly easy. Housing costs are high, and understanding bills, contracts, borrowing and financial support can feel overwhelming even for adults. Giving young people the opportunity to develop these skills before they need them can help them recognise potential problems, make informed choices and know where to look for help. As one pupil told us: " To start planning for the future now to set you up for success later in life ." That's exactly what we're trying to achieve. A new school year, a new opportunity As pupils have now settled into another year of school, our Education Team is looking forward to another busy programme of workshops, conversations and activities across North Ayrshire and beyond. We're proud of the relationships we've built with schools and partners over the years, and we're excited about continuing to develop the service and reach even more young people. Because financial confidence isn't something that has to wait until adulthood. The earlier we start giving young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions, the better prepared they can be for whatever comes next . For more information, please visit https://www.chap.org.uk/education or call 030 0002 0002.
CHAP was thrilled to receive the prestigious ‘Climate Action’ award at the recent Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards in recognition of the delivery of its Life Skills programme as part of the Morgan Sindall Just Transition initiative to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. Through practical and engaging sessions, CHAP's Education Team helps young people develop an understanding of essential money skills including budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and the real-life cost of everyday living. The programme demonstrates that effective climate action is not only about reducing carbon emissions but also about creating resilient, sustainable communities – with teaching skills that help young people to navigate future economic challenges while fostering behaviours that support more sustainable lifestyles. Elizabeth Halliday, Head of Responsible Business at Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said: “ CHAP’s Life Skills programme is a brilliant example of climate action and social action going hand in hand; and reflects exactly what we hoped to achieve when we launched our Just Transition initiative. By giving young people the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, the programme is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities and create a fairer, more inclusive transition to a low-carbon future. “At Morgan Sindall Construction, we’re proud to play a part in this through our supply chain partnership. This award is thoroughly deserved recognition of the positive difference CHAP is making to young people across Dumfries & Galloway .” CHAP is grateful for the strong relationship it has developed with Morgan Sindall Construction over the last year and the support the company has provided to its education and wider community work. The partnership also has an important local connection - with Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE Scotland currently delivering the new Ardrossan Community Campus. The photo above shows Elizabeth Halliday presenting the award to Robin Ballantyne, Head of Education, alongside our CEO, Debbie Alexander. Robin said: " We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award and incredibly proud that our team's work has been recognised in this way. Financial education is such an important part of preparing young people for a future beyond the classroom, and we know that giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions can help build greater financial resilience later in life. We’re particularly pleased that the award highlights the wider social impact of our work and we’re extremely grateful to Morgan Sindall for their continued support ." In addition to providing free advice and support for housing, debt, and welfare issues, CHAP’s education programme equips young people across Ayrshire and beyond with practical financial, housing and independent living skills that support safer, more confident transitions into adult life. For more information about our Life Skills programme, please visit the Education page.
