Recognising financial stress: how Community Engagement Points can make a difference

Money worries can affect anyone. Rising living costs, unexpected bills, job changes, or debt can create stress that impacts mood, relationships, and health. While financial strain is common, it doesn’t always need a formal service response. Sometimes, the most powerful support is being noticed and heard by someone they trust.

As a Community Engagement Point (CEP), you may be in a unique position to spot the signs of financial stress early. We are building a Network of Community Engagement Points (local people and places) who can offer a compassionate first response and, when needed, connect people with further support.

What to look out for

Financial distress isn’t always talked about openly. Shame, embarrassment, or stigma can make it hard for someone to raise the topic. As a CEP, you might notice:

• Low mood, irritability, withdrawal, or increased anxiety.
• Comments like “I don’t know how I’ll get through this week” or “I can’t afford anything right now.”
• Avoiding conversations about money, bills, or housing.
• Expressions of guilt or failure, such as feeling like they’re letting others down.

How you can help

You don’t need to solve someone’s financial problems — but you can help by being a calm, compassionate presence. You can:

• Listen without judgement if they want to talk.
• Acknowledge the stress they’re experiencing.
• Remind them that financial strain is a common challenge.
• If they’re open to it, connect them with the service provider that delivers the Short-Term Support Team (STST) for free, confidential, short-term support.

Why this matters

Financial stress is one of the most common triggers of distress in our community. By recognising the signs and responding early, Community Engagement Points can help people feel less alone and more able to take steps toward support.

What could your involvement look like in reality?

At a community centre with a financial counselling program

Leah, who helps coordinate programs at the local community centre, notices that Tom, a participant in their drop-in group, looks stressed and distracted. When Leah gently asks how things are going, Tom admits he’s behind on bills and worried about his debts.

Leah listens without judgement and reassures Tom that many people experience money worries. She reminds him that the centre has a financial counselling program he can link into, and also explains that if he’d like extra short-term support, she can connect him to the Short Term Support Team delivered by a local service provider. Tom agrees, giving consent for the referral. The Short Term Support Team follows up to provide short-term, confidential support alongside the financial counselling service.

👉 Want more tips and tools?

Download our fact sheet on financial distress here.

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