This pilot project embedded a financial worker from the Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project (GEMAP) within two GP practices in Parkhead Health Centre, and ensured patients received the financial assistance they are entitled to, while also freeing up GPs’ time to focus on health.

Between December 2015 and May 2017, 276 referrals were made to the advice worker. Of these patients, 165 engaged with the advice service resulting in almost £850,000 worth of financial gain through income maximisation – equating to, for successful applicants, a median amount of almost £7,000 financial gain per person, per year.

The project also significantly reduced costs for some patients through the identification and management of £156,000 worth of debt. Advice was provided on different forms of cost reduction support such as fuel costs, securing free bus passes and supporting people to use less expensive forms of credit. Around 50% of those engaged with the service were also referred to additional forms of community support such as homelessness, mental health and carer support.

The project has subsequently been rolled out to a further seven practices in the east end of Glasgow. This roll-out will build on the learning from the Deep End Advice Worker project, and intends to further develop the methodology underpinning the impact of the initial work at the two GP practices.

Access the report: The Deep End Advice Worker project: embedding an advice worker in general practice settings

Three infographics summarise the report findings:

Download the press release

The project is an initiative between the Wheatley Group, GPs at the Deep End, Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project Scotland Ltd (GEMAP), the NHS North East Health Improvement Team, Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) and Building Connections.

The Building Connections programme is funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and supported by Glasgow Kelvin College, the NHS North East Health Improvement Team, GCPH, What Works Scotland and the Scottish Government Leading Improvement Team.

Read coverage of the report in the following publications: 

BBC Scotland News
The Herald
The Scotsman
The Courier 
Glasgow Live
Aberdeen Evening Express