About the Service
Money worries and mental health are closely connected, when one becomes difficult, the other often does too.
The WAFER service brings specialist mental health support directly into Local Citizens Advice services across Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth and Westminster. This allows us to offer joined-up support to people experiencing financial and emotional difficulties. We’re also delivering tailored mental health training to staff across the four Local Citizens Advice branches involved.
This pilot, funded by City Bridge Foundation, is testing a more integrated way of supporting people’s wellbeing. The learning from this service will help shape better services in the future.
Please note, we are not a crisis service. If you require immediate support, please click here.
Who it's for
WAFER is for adults who:
- Are aged 18+
- Live in Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth or Westminster
- Are currently receiving support from their local Citizens Advice service
If you think this support could help you, please speak to your Citizens Advice adviser.
Location:
Brent, Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, and Westminster
Service types:
Advice and support, Counselling and psychotherapy
Referral types:
Local Citizens Advice referral
What to expect
Once referred, you’ll meet with a member of our team for an initial assessment. This is a friendly, supportive conversation to:
- Understand what you’re experiencing
- Explore how financial pressures are affecting your wellbeing
- Decide which type of support is the best fit for you
If WAFER isn’t the right service, we’ll help you find one that is.
How it works
Support is flexible and shaped around what you need. You can meet in person at Citizens Advice locations, in local community hubs, or online, whatever feels most comfortable for you.
Our support options
Wellbeing Workshops
Take part in one-off workshops exploring key areas of mental wellbeing such as money and mental health or food and mood. These sessions provide tips, tools, and new ways to think about your wellbeing. They’re a great starting point for anyone wanting to build confidence in managing their wellbeing.
Psychoeducation Groups
Join a supportive group for 6–12 weekly sessions focused on developing knowledge and practical skills around topics like stress management and sleep hygiene. These groups combine learning and discussion to help you better understand your mental health and build strategies to improve your wellbeing.
One-to-One Support
Work with a Mental Health Advisor for approximately 6 sessions to focus on your wellbeing goals. Together you’ll create a personalised plan, identify triggers, and build coping strategies. Sessions can cover a range of topics, including self-esteem, anxiety, and managing daily stress in a practical and supportive way.
Counselling
Access approximately 8 sessions with a qualified counsellor for more in-depth, therapeutic mental health support. Counselling offers a safe space to explore your experiences, emotions, and patterns of behaviour, helping you understand yourself better and develop tools to improve your mental health and wellbeing long-term.
How to access support
Get in touch
Referrals to WAFER can only be made by Local Citizens Advice advisers.
If you’re currently receiving advice and think this support could help, please speak to your advisor. They can discuss your needs and make a referral on your behalf.
For Citizens Advice staff: You can refer clients using the online referral form below.
Need help or have questions?
If you’d like to learn more about this service or need help getting started, please get in touch, we’re here to support you.