SAND Budgeting Pack

We know that money can feel like a barrier to counselling, but we don’t want cost to stop you accessing support. This pack is here to help you plan, budget, and feel more in control. Remember: no one is excluded because of financial hardship. We will always explore bursary and funded options if needed.

1. Understanding Contributions

At SAND, we use affordability bands to make counselling accessible while keeping the service sustainable:

  • Pay It Forward (£75): Helps subsidise others.
  • Full (£60): Covers the true cost of counselling.
  • Reduced Rate (£45): Aligned with local counselling fees.
  • Concessionary: For those in financial hardship. Not guaranteed, but we will do our best to support you through bursary or funded places if available.

2. Budgeting Tips for Universal Credit Clients

Here are some small steps that can make a big difference:

  • Check your entitlements using Turn2Us or EntitledTo calculators.
  • Try setting aside £5–10 per week from your Universal Credit payment.
  • Prioritise essentials first: housing, food, and energy bills.
  • Use budgeting apps (e.g. Snoop, Money Dashboard) or simple envelopes for savings.
  • Explore local support such as council welfare schemes and food larders.

3. Practical Tools

Weekly/Monthly Budget Template:

Income

Essential Costs

Non-Essentials

Savings/Set Aside

£

£

£

£

Savings Goal Tracker:

If I save £___ each week, in ___ weeks I will have £___ towards counselling.

Session Cost Planner:

Contribution Band

Cost per Session

10 Sessions Total

Pay It Forward

£75

£750

Full

£60

£600

Reduced Rate

£45

£450

4. Money-Saving Ideas

  • Food: community larders, food banks, Too Good To Go app.
  • Bills: Citizens Advice schemes, South West Water ‘WaterSure’ discount.
  • Travel: check if community transport or SAND support may be available.

5. Investing in Yourself

Think of counselling as an investment in your wellbeing and future. Even small savings of £1–2 each week can build towards making counselling possible. Every little step is progress.

6. Further Support

For more help with money and benefits:

  • Citizens Advice – debt and benefit advice.
  • StepChange – free debt advice.
  • Turn2Us – grants and benefits checker.