Dosh is a not-for-profit company within the Thera Group. They believe that people with a learning disability should be able to use their own money in the way they want and for the things they enjoy. The Dosh Promise demonstrates how we aim to help the people we support to be in control of their own money.
The financial world can be a difficult place to navigate, especially for people with a learning disability. Whether it’s opening a bank account, claiming the right benefits, signing up for a phone contract, getting the best utility deal, or simply buying what you want, there are still many stumbling blocks, particularly for those who struggle to understand money and need some support. Dosh supports people in a variety of ways to enable people to have more independence over their money, including through financial advocacy and appointeeship.
Financial advocacy means a person with a learning disability will have a named financial advocate who will get to know them and work alongside them and their circle of support to manage their money in the best way for them. This includes formal things like benefits applications, as well as day-to-day spending and regular budget reviews. Financial Advocates are there alongside an individual to help speak up for their interests around money, not just to move money around and look after the paperwork (although they do that too!).This enables people to get more involved in planning how their money is spent based on what is important to them now and in the future.
It was this personal approach that was at the heart of Dosh’s vision when it was set up in 2007. We had seen that too many people with a learning disability had their money managed for them, often by someone who didn’t know them well or who didn’t have the skills, knowledge or time to navigate a complex benefits system and financial world. We also knew how important access to money was in giving someone control over their lives – choosing what they do with their time, how they travel, where they live, or what they eat; enabling them to connect with friends and family and be part of their local communities. This is why Dosh was set up – to give dedicated financial support, so people with a learning disability have choice and control over their money.
Jane* who is supported by Dosh moved into her own flat in late 2020. This gave her more independence, but also a lot more responsibilities around money, which she hadn’t had before. Her financial advocate, Lisa, worked with Jane and her circle of support to agree a budget for spending. Over time, they worked together to build up Jane’s skills and confidence with money, and she can now manage her weekly budget by herself. Jane is now less anxious about her money and she knows she still has the support of Dosh for the more difficult parts of managing her money like bills and benefits.
Her financial advocate Lisa says:
It has been so lovely to see Jane become more independent and learn to manage her money so much better. It’s great to be a part of her journey.
Find out more about Dosh and the work they do here
*Name changed at the persons request