A project embedding financial support in GP surgeries has improved health and reduced pressure on NHS services in Southwark, according to a report discussed at the Health and Wellbeing Board on 11 December 2025.

The Financial Shield project, launched in 2020 by Impact on Urban Health and Centre for Responsible Credit, placed dedicated advice workers, called 'Financial Support Link Workers' (FSLWs), within primary care settings. GPs and social prescribers could refer patients directly, and residents could also self-refer through a digital platform.

The project aimed to address the link between financial difficulties and poor health. Most residents onboarding to the service are experiencing the twin pressures of escalating financial difficulties and chronic health conditions—including diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain and mental health disorders. The Financial Shield project update presented to the board highlighted several positive outcomes:

  • Over 1,100 residents received support.
  • £1.67 million in financial gains were achieved for the individuals involved. The project had a mean average of £3.79 for every £1 spent per completed case, with average costs of £400 per resident and average financial gains of approximately £1,500.
  • Stress was reduced through a local breathing space scheme that provided temporary relief on rent and Council Tax enforcement, allowing residents to stabilise their finances, access additional support, and set up affordable repayment plans.
  • Over half of residents reported improved mental or physical health.
  • A third of residents made fewer GP visits.
  • Resident satisfaction was high.

The Financial Shield project unlocked financial support including financial gains from welfare benefits entitlements and new partnerships with creditors that eased the stress of debt.

The report also recommended that the national government ensure that all future welfare changes are subjected to a rigorous impact assessment with respect to their impacts for health and the delivery of health services.

The project particularly benefited women aged 45–64, single parents, and people from Black, African, or Caribbean backgrounds. The report states that the initial pilot focused on an under-served community, but the model is scalable and designed to work across a wider demographic.

Peter Babudu, Executive Director of Impact on Urban Health, Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation, presented the findings, noting the project's relevance to the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy's 'Healthy work and lives' theme.

The Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to:

  • Note the outcomes and impacts of the Financial Shield pilot, notably reduced strain on NHS services, improved health of residents, high levels of satisfaction, and the effectiveness of Council Tax support as part of the package.
  • Support the expansion and continuation of Financial Shield in Southwark, whether through investment, advocacy, political or operational support.
  • Embed financial advice into Integrated Neighbourhood Teams being developed as part of the NHS 10-year plan, using learnings from the Financial Shield pilot. Key learnings from the Financial Shield project that will be applied to embedding financial advice into Integrated Neighbourhood Teams include targeted, flexible support is effective; embedding financial support into clinical teams adds value; proactive communication improves access; including face-to-face support is important; data sharing to support breathing space arrangements can provide better outcomes; and specialist services remain essential for residents with the most complex needs.
  • Note, and where possible support, the recommendation for national Government that all future welfare changes are subjected to a rigorous impact assessment with respect to their impacts for health and the delivery of health services.

The Financial Shield Executive Summary states that the project demonstrates that co-located financial support and clear referral pathways can produce significant financial, social, and health benefits for a relatively modest, well-targeted investment.