INITIATIVES

MOTHERS' UNION MONEY ADVICE SERVICE

(MUMAS)

What is MUMAS?

The Mothers' Union Money Advice Service was set up because of the perceived ill effects of debt on the lives of families in the area. It was originally financed by the centenary appeal of Mothers’ Union in Gloucester diocese as a way of fulfilling its 5th Object “to help  those whose family life has met with  adversity”.
 

HOW IT WORKS
People with money problems call an answerphone (or send an email) which is cleared every day by one of a number of answerers. The answerer telephones the co-ordinator, who assesses the scope of the problems, sometimes being able to offer help over the phone, or by sending a copy of  the Self Help Guide. In other cases the co-ordinator appoints an appropriate adviser, who makes contact and  arranges to see the client in the
client’s own home, usually within a week.
 

MUMAS ADVISERS
There are about ten trained advisers, who receive their training through GLOMAS, the Gloucestershire Money Advice Service. They give FREE practical help and advice; they are not counsellors, but several have
worked in some form of counselling.
Advisers are trained to help the client review expenditure and income, draw up a budget and schedule how debts might be settled. They negotiate with creditors, help the client to claim all available benefits, and advise as
necessary on e.g. court procedures.
There is absolute confidentiality.
 

THE MUMAS TEAM
The management committee provides the advisers with support and training.
It advertises the service to potential clients. The chairman is a co-opted member of the diocesan Mothers' Union board of trustees. Ongoing finance is provided by donations from Mothers' Union branches, PCCs  and other sympathetic bodies.
 

In addition there is a co-ordinator who is responsible for recruiting and interviewing new advisers, training and supporting them, and keeping abreast of relevant changes in legislation, benefits and procedures.
The co-ordinator is also responsible for gathering the advisers for regular case conferences (debriefing and sharing practical knowledge) and liaising with the management committee. Members of the MUMAS team speak about the work of the service to individuals and organisations who might provide finance or potential advisers.


“After contacting MUMAS, at last there is light at the end of the tunnel”.

“MUMAS worked out a monthly repayment plan. It will take several years, but at least we don’t have to worry any more”.
 

The Mothers' Union Money Advice Service is able to make a real difference
to the lives of its clients. Some problems may be solved in one visit; some go on for months. Clients come increasingly from recommendations by their friends or neighbours.


Mothers’ Union is a world-wide organisation established in 1876 and now
with over 3 million members;
its Aim is “the advancement  of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family
life”.
MUMAS is affiliated to Advice UK (a federation of independent advice centres) and has complied with their requirements for Policy Statements on Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities and Complaints.

MUMAS offers a complementary service to the Citizens Advice Bureau, with whom it is on good terms.
 

MONEY PROBLEMS?

For free practical advice contact the Coordinator
 

Tel: 01452 383288 ( answering machine)
NB The answering machine is cleared every day

Or Click here to send Email: mumoneyadvice@yahoo.co.uk

LIKE TO HELP?

                    Would you, or anyone you know,

gloucestermu