Inclusion & accessibility is really important to us.
We're listening and understand the challenges of rising costs without rising income. That's why we are reviewing our own financial strategy as well as reviewing our financial inclusion approach. There will be changes ahead that are more appreciative of those experiencing financial hardship.
Defining Financial Hardship at Finn’s Place
Financial hardship isn’t just about income—it’s about our ability to meet our basic needs while participating in community life. At Finn’s Place, we aim to support those who would otherwise struggle to afford our services, ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to wellbeing.
Financial hardship can mean:
Those of us who may be experiencing financial hardship
✅ Asylum Seekers – receiving minimal support (£49.18/week) with no right to work.
✅ Individuals on Low Fixed Incomes – those relying solely on State Pensions, Universal Credit, or other benefits, without significant savings.
✅ People Facing Unexpected Hardship – redundancy, health crises, or caring responsibilities impacting financial stability.
✅ Households with High Costs – low income relative to necessary expenses (e.g., single parents, disabled individuals, those paying high rent).
✅ Financially Isolated Individuals – people without access to family support or external financial assistance.
What Financial Hardship Is Not
❌ Simply being retired or not working – Some retirees or non-working individuals have pensions, investments, or family support.
❌ Choosing to prioritise other spending – Financial hardship is about lack of means, not budgeting choices & preferences.
❌ A low income that still meets essential needs – Some people have a lower-than-average income but can comfortably afford their living costs.
Things we're mulling over:
Self-Declaration, not proof – trusting individuals to assess their own situation and choose what they can afford.
Sliding Scale Pricing – Concessions are available based on financial need, not just employment status or age.
Flexible Conversations – If someone requests a concession, encouraging an open discussion rather than rigid eligibility criteria. We've been conditioned to be uncomfortable talking about money - we can change that!
And exploring how this works practically so our funding is used to support those who need it most, practitioners are paid fairly and Finn's Place stays financially sustainable.
Questions to ponder when considering your own situation
1. Contribution & Financial Wellbeing
2. Community & Mutual Support
3. Perspective & Context
4. Choice & Empowerment
We're listening and understand the challenges of rising costs without rising income. That's why we are reviewing our own financial strategy as well as reviewing our financial inclusion approach. There will be changes ahead that are more appreciative of those experiencing financial hardship.
Defining Financial Hardship at Finn’s Place
Financial hardship isn’t just about income—it’s about our ability to meet our basic needs while participating in community life. At Finn’s Place, we aim to support those who would otherwise struggle to afford our services, ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to wellbeing.
Financial hardship can mean:
- Struggling to cover essential costs like housing, bills, food, or transport.
- Being unable to participate in social or wellbeing activities due to financial constraints.
- Having no financial safety net (e.g., savings, family support, or access to additional resources).
Those of us who may be experiencing financial hardship
✅ Asylum Seekers – receiving minimal support (£49.18/week) with no right to work.
✅ Individuals on Low Fixed Incomes – those relying solely on State Pensions, Universal Credit, or other benefits, without significant savings.
✅ People Facing Unexpected Hardship – redundancy, health crises, or caring responsibilities impacting financial stability.
✅ Households with High Costs – low income relative to necessary expenses (e.g., single parents, disabled individuals, those paying high rent).
✅ Financially Isolated Individuals – people without access to family support or external financial assistance.
What Financial Hardship Is Not
❌ Simply being retired or not working – Some retirees or non-working individuals have pensions, investments, or family support.
❌ Choosing to prioritise other spending – Financial hardship is about lack of means, not budgeting choices & preferences.
❌ A low income that still meets essential needs – Some people have a lower-than-average income but can comfortably afford their living costs.
Things we're mulling over:
Self-Declaration, not proof – trusting individuals to assess their own situation and choose what they can afford.
Sliding Scale Pricing – Concessions are available based on financial need, not just employment status or age.
Flexible Conversations – If someone requests a concession, encouraging an open discussion rather than rigid eligibility criteria. We've been conditioned to be uncomfortable talking about money - we can change that!
And exploring how this works practically so our funding is used to support those who need it most, practitioners are paid fairly and Finn's Place stays financially sustainable.
Questions to ponder when considering your own situation
1. Contribution & Financial Wellbeing
- Would paying full price for this class make it harder for you to meet your essential needs (e.g., food, bills, rent/mortgage)?
- Would the full price of this class cause financial strain?
- If you pay the full rate, would it create financial stress for you later in the month?
- Would a lower price make it easier for you to attend regularly without worry?
2. Community & Mutual Support
- Would paying the full rate feel comfortable for you, knowing it helps keep these sessions accessible for others?
- If money weren’t a concern, how would you want to contribute to the running of a space like this?
- Would you be happy to “Pay It Forward” for someone else if you’re in a position to do so?
3. Perspective & Context
- How does this class fee compare to other things you spend money on for your wellbeing (e.g., coffee, gym, entertainment)?
- Would you feel better paying a little less today, or contributing in another way (e.g., sharing Finn’s Place with friends, volunteering)?
- If you had a little extra this month, would you choose to contribute more to support someone who can’t afford it?
4. Choice & Empowerment
- Which pricing option feels most aligned with your current circumstances?
- If you had a flexible pricing option, what amount would feel fair and comfortable for you today?
- If finances weren’t a barrier, how often would you attend sessions like this?
If you've any thoughts around this please let me know - pop me (Colette) an email on [email protected]