Pembrokeshire County Council and Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire (CAP) are celebrating the success of their welfare rights focused project People PWR (Pembrokeshire Welfare Rights).

People PWR launched in 2023 and is a pilot project that takes a holistic approach to supporting families affected by or at risk of poverty and the associated effects.

The People PWR team focuses on engaging with families who have school age children, with a clear aim of creating greater financial stability for households, addressing inequalities and improving financial capability.

Families can self-refer into the project, while schools are the main referral route. The close working links developed between CAP and Pembrokeshire Schools has been key to the success of this project.

Once a referral is accepted, they conduct a financial MOT, ensuring that clients are claiming all that they are entitled to. They also help families to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to hardship.

In 2023, 259 families benefitted from the support of People PWR and the team have realised financial gains for local families of £118, 347 in unclaimed benefits. The average amount gained for each family was £2,878.

However, it’s about more than just the money, there is also a lasting legacy for families whereby they have a better understanding, improved confidence and often a feeling of empowerment that can help them achieve a more positive financial future.

James White, Head of Engagement and Communities, said: “More and more clients are being helped as word about the service has spread, and almost £120,000 has been put into the pockets of Pembrokeshire residents, most of which will be spent locally.

“For some clients this service has been life-changing.”

Geraldine Murphy, CEO of Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire, said: “Our team of three advisers are enthusiastic about helping parents to find solutions to their financial problems. They have forged strong links with schools and community organisations and headteachers and engagement officers tell us they have already seen the benefit of our service to their parents and children. Together we are building an effective and joined-up approach to helping families.”

If you are a family with a school age child in Pembrokeshire and think that you could benefit from connecting with the People PWR team, please visit the Pembrokeshire CAB website for more project information or email [email protected] to contact the team directly to request support.