Exploring the use and impact of the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide
We would like to invite people who have used the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide to take part in this research study. Before you decide if you would like to take part, we would like to tell you why the study is being done and what taking part would involve.
What is this study about?
‘Worrying About Money?’ is a step-by-step guide to help people with money worries find sources of financial support. The guide is available in a range of formats (e.g. posters, app, etc.). They are also used by support workers helping people with money worries.
The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) work with local partners to develop and share the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide. IFAN would like to find out if and how the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide help people with money worries and how they could be improved.
Who is doing this study?
IFAN has funded the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen) to speak confidentially and anonymously to people who have used the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide and to write a report about their experiences. ScotCen is an independent research company and a registered charity. ScotCen is part of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). You can find out more about us here: www.scotcen.org.uk.
Why have I been invited to take part?
As someone who has experienced money worries and has used the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide, we are very interested in your views and experiences.
If I take part, what will I be asked to do?
If you decide to take part, a researcher from ScotCen will get in touch to find a date and time that suits you to take part in an interview. Interviews will last around 30 to 40 minutes.
You can choose for your interview to be completed:
- by phone
- via a video call (using Microsoft Teams or Zoom)
We will ask you if we can audio record the interview. The recording will be typed up, stored safely, and then deleted at the end of the study.
During the interview, we will ask you about your experiences of using the ‘Worrying About Money?’ guide and how it could be improved.
There are no right or wrong answers. We are just interested in hearing about your thoughts and experiences.
To say thank you, we will send you a £30 Love2Shop high street voucher after your interview.
Please note that we have limited spaces available, so we may not be able to interview everyone who would like to take part.
Do I have to take part?
No. Taking part is completely voluntary. If you decide to take part, you can choose which questions you answer. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to. You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason.
Are there any risks to taking part?
Taking part in an interview is a chance to share your views and experiences. But talking about your experiences could potentially be upsetting. We will:
- check how you are feeling before and after your interview
- make sure that you feel comfortable and respected
If you feel upset during the interview, we will pause or stop and stay on the call with you until you feel better or can contact further support.
You will also be given a leaflet with the contact details of organisations that can provide advice and support.
Will my information be kept private?
We will treat the things you tell us in confidence under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Any information you give us will be stored safely and securely.
No information about you will be shared with anyone outside of the ScotCen research team. We will use quotes from some interviews in our study reports, social media, and presentations. Quotes are small sections of the words people have told us in a discussion. These will be written so that you cannot be identified in any way.
Where can I find out more?
If you are interested in taking part, or if you have any questions, you can contact the study team by email at WAM@scotcen.org.uk or you can call us on 0131 240 0210.