Session: Allowing service users to help themselves - cost-of-living helper case study 

In this session, Dr Nimi Shephard-Patel describes the design and implementation of a free and easy-to-access cost-of-living tool that charities can use. The ’cost-of-living helper’ forms part of a response to repeated issues charities have faced since the early stages of the cost-of-living crisis.  

Attendees will learn about the design-led process, how customer involvement informed the design journey, how the tool can support beneficiaries and maintain brand identity, and so much more.  

So, if you’re finding increasing numbers of users asking for financial support, the cost-of-living helper can help you help them. The tool is specifically designed to enable individuals to support themselves, providing agency and financial empowerment to service users across the UK and beyond.  

Learning outcomes:  

• The benefits of white-labelled digital tools
• How to involve key stakeholders in a design-led process 
• Where to find these tools and the potential uses for you