Financial well-being FAQs
We know that money worries can have an impact on overall well-being and we have put in place a robust support package for all staff at UHB.
We have created a list of the most common questions that we have been asked about financial well-being.
Are there any benefits or other support available?
You can use the online tools on the Turn2us website to check whether you're entitled to any benefits, grants or other financial support.
Where can I find the best fuel prices?
The cost of driving has increased significantly. One way to save money is to check where to buy the cheapest petrol and diesel in your area using the PetrolPrices website or app.
Some staff might be able to save money by using public transport. More information about how you can use public transport to get to work, including discounts, is available on the intranet.
Interest rates are having an impact on my savings, credit cards and bills. Where can I find more information?
UHB works with experts in this area. Salary Finance offers staff an education portal, including articles, podcasts, videos and blogs on topics ranging from interest rates, credit cards, savings and more.
Visit the Salary Finance website to find out more.
Where can I find information about NHS discounts?
There are many discounts available to NHS and UHB staff, from free delivery on groceries, to haircuts and everyday items.
Staff can take advantage of huge savings on offer through national schemes like Health Service Discounts and Blue Light Card.
For more information on benefits and discounts, please check the intranet for staff benefits.
I struggle to save money every month. Is any help available?
UHB works with Citysave, who can provide staff with savings accounts. These accounts take money from your pay automatically each month so you don't need to think about it. You can change the amounts or pause deposits whenever you like.
For further information, and for details of other organisations who can help with things like loan repayments and debt, please see our page on where to get financial help and support.
I need some more specific one-to-one advice about my finances. Is there anyone I can speak to?
UHB has partnered with Barclays Money Mentors, trained individuals who can offer impartial one-to-one financial guidance, no matter who you bank with.
For further information, and for details of other organisations who can help with things like loan repayments and debt, please see our page on where to get financial help and support.
I have debt in different places. Can I put it all together in one lump sum to make it easier for me to pay off each month?
You may find debt consolidation can make your finances easier to manage. (Debt consolidation means combining debts into one, easier to manage debt.)
Moving several different areas of debt into one place could reduce the overall monthly repayments, as well reducing stress and worry. It can be tempting to use payday lenders, who will often lend money very quickly but charge very high levels of interest which can put people in a worse situation. Therefore we have partnered with Citysave and Salary Finance, who can provide responsible loans to staff, with repayments being deducted directly from your pay.
For further information, and for details of other organisations who can help with things like savings and debt, please see our page on where to get financial help and support.
I'm worried about paying my rent or mortgage. What can I do?
There are a number of organisations who can support staff who are struggling to make regular payments, who need to look for new housing or for those who may be at risk of becoming homeless.
If you're at immediate risk of losing your home, please contact the Inclusion team. The team can talk you through our bespoke pathway of support for staff in this situation.
Email: Inclusion@uhb.nhs.uk
For a comprehensive list of organisations which can help with issues relating to housing and homelessness, please see the Waiting Room website.
I'm finding it hard to make sure there's enough food on the table. Is there any support for me
The Trust's Chaplaincy team has access to food and clothing parcels that can be accessed by staff who need them most. Please contact the team for more information.
Email: Chaplaincy@uhb.nhs.uk
My financial well being is being impacted by my alcohol or drug use. Who can I speak to?
We know that some people may be experiencing financial problems relating to alcohol or drug use. There are many local organisations who can offer help and support with addiction and substance use. For a comprehensive list of organisations, please see the Waiting Room website.
I've heard about changes to our pension and National Insurance contributions. Where can I find out more?
See our page on planned changes to pay for information.
If you still need more information, please contact Payroll via the pensions inbox.
Email: 304pensions@uhb.nhs.uk