Talk Money Week 2025 – how Social Prescribing Link Workers can help people navigate debt and money worries

What is Talk Money Week?

Every year, the campaign Talk Money Week 2025 (3-7 November) encourages people across the UK to “start the conversation” about their finances - from everyday budgeting and saving to dealing with debt.

For many, money worries are not simply about numbers, they are deeply intertwined with physical health, mental wellbeing, social isolation, housing, employment and a sense of control. That makes the Social Prescribing Link Workers really well placed to support people with their money issues.

Why money worries matter in social prescribing

In NASP’s national link worker survey, it was found that social prescribing link workers most commonly refer clients to services for financial support, followed by mental health, and housing.

Worrying about how to pay the bills, keep up with credit or manage debt can trigger anxiety, depression, sleep problems and exacerbate long-term conditions. However, talking about money can help people to feel less anxious, make better decisions financially and have stronger personal relationships.

An elderly couple are sat on a sofa with a laptop talking to a woman with a calculator

Link Workers will often meet people whose presenting issue might appear as a physical health challenge, loneliness or low mood, but after digging deeper, they find money or debt as a key factor. Recognising the financial dimension can open new opportunities for meaningful social prescribing.

How Link Workers can support money conversations

A Link Worker might help someone struggling with money by:

Starting gently and listening deeply. Money is a sensitive topic. They might ask “how are you managing your bills at the moment?” and build trust first, listening without judgement.

Exploring links between money, health and social prescribing. If someone says they’re running out of money, missing bill payments or worried about debt, Link Workers can explore how that affects their health - poor sleep, appetite changes, food insecurity, stress, social withdrawal, accessibility to health services. A Link Worker can also co-produce a plan with the person they’re supporting – perhaps by making a referral to a free debt advice agency, alongside social support (This includes peer support, budgeting workshops, local community groups, food support, mental health services, bill relief, transportation and more).

Connecting to appropriate resources. During Talk Money Week 2025, resources are available from the Money and Pensions Service and others to help people talk about money, find budgeting tools and debt advice. For example - budget planners, conversation starters for families and individual and free debt advice locator tools.

Reconnecting people with community groups and exploring low-cost social activities, particularly if someone is presenting with loneliness because they’ve stopped socialising due to money. A person with chronic illness might be avoiding appointments because of transport or cost worries. A Link Worker can explore practical financial supports, transport subsidies and link to community schemes.

Why this really matters for social prescribing

When Link Workers help someone engage with their money story, as someone who is aware of the interplay between money, health and social connectivity, more holistic conversations can begin to happen. These conversations can:

Reduce anxiety and improve overall wellbeing: When someone is freed from the persistent worry of “How will I pay next month’s bills?” they are more able to engage with other support, such as physical activity, volunteering and social groups.

Strengthen resilience: Talking about money helps build confidence and prevents escalation into crisis. Talk Money Week research shows people who “talk about money” feel more in control and make fewer risky financial decisions.

Unlock social prescribing opportunities: Addressing money worries can help facilitate engagement with community assets, social prescribing interventions, and improved wellbeing.

A woman with a pen and clipboard is sat talking with another woman.

Practical help for Money Week and beyond

If your health or wellbeing is affected by issues related to debt or financial problems, you may be able to get support through a Social Prescribing Link Worker. Link workers have the time to understand your situation and what is affecting you, and help you connect to relevant support in your area.

There are also many national services and helplines that may be able to support you. Find out more here.

Let’s make this week count - because talking about money really can be the first step to better wellbeing.