Personalised, Tailored Budgets
Emphasising freedom of choice, each client enrolled on this scheme has access to a fund enabling them to meet their basic needs, and later on cultivating hobbies and fostering positive lifestyles. Clients are free to use to fund as they wish (aside from cash), which restores self-esteem by subverting the traditional hand-me-down approach they may be used to. Purchases are goal-oriented, with a list of desirable outcomes agreed with the client before the intervention is commenced. Essential and practical items like tents and smartphones tend to be requested first whilst lifestyle items like art kits and bicycles are requested later on.
Goal: Reconnect With Family
Item: Travel Pass
Outcome: Rekindle relationships
Goal: Improve appearance
Item: Haircut, new clothes
Outcome: Self-esteem boost
Goal: Get out and about
Item: Bike or scooter
Outcome: Alleviate boredom
The Evidence Base
This scheme is demonstrated of having a host of benefits including:
Social networks not based on substances
Increased personal care and hygiene
Cessation of sex work
Better engagement with support services
What Clients Say:
“Dim Yma has helped me massively with my personal budget and I have got to the stage where I am clean and living life for the first time in 25 years.”