The Friendly Trust

The Friendly Trust: money management support for vulnerable adults in Cardiff

The Friendly Trust is a registered charity that helps vulnerable adults manage their money. Its work targets people who may be vulnerable, including those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and extends to the families, carers and professionals around them. The organisation describes its aim as reducing the stress and isolation caused by poverty, debt and financial abuse, with support it characterises as practical and personal and oriented towards independent living.

From a 1998 start to a registered charity

The charity was established in 1998 and became a registered charity in 2000. It states that since then it has helped thousands of people across Wales and beyond. Its registered charity number is 1084265 and its company number is 3608297.

Money, benefits and protection from abuse

The range of help described covers both day-to-day money administration and longer-term legal arrangements:

• Help with managing money and debt
• Support to claim benefits
• Help with setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney
• Advice on wills and trusts
• Acting as a Deputy through the Court of Protection
• Managing trusts for vulnerable people
• Protecting people from financial abuse
• Acting as an Appointee to manage benefits and bills

The charity is explicit that it is not a financial adviser. Where expert advice is needed, it says it can help people access a qualified Independent Financial Advisor.

Who the support is designed for

The charity lists the circumstances that commonly bring people to its service: poor health or disability; major life changes such as bereavement or job loss; low confidence with money or digital skills; and the risk of financial abuse or scams. It argues that without the right support these situations can lead to debt, exploitation and exclusion.

Working alongside local authorities

Part of the charity's activity is carried out in partnership with local authorities, and it maintains a referral route aimed specifically at social workers in Cardiff, alongside a general referrals channel. It also publishes a careers listing for a Financial Case Officer role.

Reported outcomes and client accounts

In its most recent survey, cited on the site, 96% of service users said their money felt safer with the charity's support and 99% said their bills were more manageable. The site also carries first-person client stories, including that of Dawn, who describes needing help with her money and finding a new home and says the charity was very supportive.

Funding and public accountability

The organisation publishes pages for funders, a satisfaction survey and news, and accepts donations, which it presents as a way to extend its reach to more people. Its stated principles include that everyone has the same value and rights, should be able to make their own important decisions, deserves support from family, community and services, and should have a say in how services are designed and delivered.