Our History
The Greater Merseyside Money Advice Project (GMMAP) is committed to improving the provision of free, confidential, impartial high quality debt advice in Greater Merseyside.
What We Do
Set up in 2006 and originally funded by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) the GMMAP project is now funded by The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), an independent service set up by government to help anyone and everyone make the most of their money. Research conducted by MaPS reports that whilst 74% of people in debt are unhappy and 83% feel repaying their debts is very important, only 17% currently access advice.
Knowsley Citizens Advice is the lead organisation in the GMMAP project and as such manages a network of 7 Delivery Partners and over 30 debt advisers that are experienced in providing advice and assistance to individuals who are over indebted including anyone being in crisis debt.
The project aims to increase the provision of debt advice, particularly in areas of high financial exclusion across Merseyside and the Liverpool City Region. Providing more ways for people to access advice such as face to face, telephone and email it is now also making it easier for people to make the first contact with advice services.
Within a six month period the GMMAP project helped almost 5,000 new clients.
Meet our team
Amanda Thomas Project Manager
Hi, my name is Amanda (Mand) Thomas and I am the Project Manager for the GMMAP project.
I started working at Knowsley Citizens Advice in 2010 having previously worked in the banking sector. I joined the Project team, firstly in an admin role before moving into the Co-ordinator role in 2013 and the Manager role in 2022.
I have worked in the advice sector for over 12 years and have seen many changes in this period, in particular the increased demand for quality, free, impartial debt advice services.
I am proud to be involved in a project that has helped provide advice and support to a large number of people who feel that they have nowhere else to turn and to support the staff who deliver such an important, high quality service to people in the region.
Jason Lau Quality Manager
Hi, my name is Jason and I am the Quality Manager for the GMMAP Project.
I started working at Knowsley Citizens Advice in 2019, having previously been a debt caseworker and supervisor at St Helens Citizens Advice for 10 years.
In my current role, I work to ensure high quality debt advice is delivered throughout the Partnership, whilst driving positive change. Working for GMMAP is something I am immensely proud of as we can provide free money advice for all those that need it.
Cherry Owen Project Coordinator
Hi, my name is Cherry Owen and I am the Project Coordinator for the GMMAP project.
I started working at Knowsley Citizens Advice in 2019 as a ‘Help to Claim’ Universal Credit advisor before joining the Project team, firstly as the Project Administrative Officer before moving into the Co-ordinator role in 2022.
My role is very varied which I find interesting as it gives me the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of different people from all walks of life.
Originally from Kirkby, I now have the opportunity to make a difference to the people in the local community.
Aimee Brown Technical Debt Co-ordinator
Hi, my name is Aimee Brown and I am the Technical Debt Co-ordinator for the GMMAP Project.
I have worked in the debt advice sector for 15 years in a number of roles such as debt adviser and team leader, moving into more quality related roles during the last 5 years.
The role I am doing now helps to ensure we are providing a consistently good service to our clients, but also look at how we can drive improvements and positive change.
I am a strong believer in everyone’s right to access free advice and support for their debts, particularly in the current economic climate, and I am proud to be working on a project that aims to do just that.
Tina Connor Administration Assistant
Hi, my name is Tina Connor and I am the Administration Assistant for the GMMAP Project.
I started working at Knowsley Citizens Advice in the latter half of 2022, having previously worked for a small business lobbying organisation for more than 20 years. My past career has incorporated a variety of administrative roles in departments such as human resources, customer services and partnerships & events. This has ensured I’ve always been kept on my toes and been challenged in new environments, albeit within the same organisation.
My role in GMMAP is unlike anything I’ve previously experienced and I’m enjoying working with such a positive, enthusiastic and encouraging team.
Need Debt Advice?
Debt and money advice available. Get in touch with your local office.
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