Client Story – Leon

Leon lives in a supported living property in Cardiff. When we began working with him in December 2021, he lacked the capacity to manage any of his financial affairs. This had led to significant debt — including unpaid housing and support costs, as well as mobile phone contracts that had escalated to debt collection agencies.

Before The Friendly Trust got involved, Leon had also been financially exploited by people in the community and by some family members who knew when his benefits were due and would pressure him for money.

At the time, Leon’s benefits were paid directly to him, and staff at his home had to try to intercept the payments to help him withdraw cash and pay bills. Without official authority or a separate account, this was difficult and unreliable.

Since The Friendly Trust became involved:

• Leon’s benefits are now paid into an account we manage on his behalf
• We’ve set up standing orders to ensure his care provider is paid on time
• We’re working with Leon and his support staff to agree a payment plan with a debt collection agency
• We’ve created a weekly budget with Leon to help him manage his spending
• Leon now uses an Equals Card — a pre-paid card that gives him daily access to money while keeping his spending safe and controlled

Having The Friendly Trust as the sole financial contact has helped Leon understand the importance of budgeting and paying bills. It’s also allowed his care staff to focus on their core role — supporting Leon’s wellbeing — rather than managing his finances.

Leon has started to build a positive relationship with our team and now contacts us directly to talk about his money and any support he needs.