Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has unveiled a refreshed advertising campaign to promote the Department for Communities' Make the Call service, coinciding with Talk Money Week, the UK-wide initiative encouraging open conversations about personal finances.

Minister Lyons said: "Accessing financial support can be daunting.

"The Make the Call service helps to connect people to both financial and other supports that boost capacity and well-being. This can include blue badges and bus passes to help get around; connection to community groups to enhance social independence; support with health and energy costs; and home safety checks."

The updated campaign is designed to reach people who may benefit from personalised guidance — including older people, disabled people and families under strain — and to highlight the breadth of practical help available through Make the Call.

Minister Lyons continued: "On taking up office, I set out my ambition to deliver policies and programmes that make a real and lasting difference. I want to see a Northern Ireland where everyone has a warm, secure home, enough income to pay for the essentials and access to employment.

"Our advice services play a key role in helping improve lives and well-being and are a cornerstone of our strategic work on Warm Healthy Homes, Housing Supply, Disability and Work and the development of the Anti-Poverty Strategy."

The Minister concluded: "Talk Money Week reminds us that when it comes to financial wellbeing, 'It All Counts'. Whether it is checking what support you may be entitled to, planning for the future or seeking advice early, small actions can make a real difference. "The Make the Call service is one example of how people can access personalised support, information and advice when they need it most.""

The Make the Call service currently assists more than 11,000 people a year through phone and outreach support. In the past year, 11,486 people benefited after Making the Call. Through the Wraparound Service, 1,794 people were helped to successfully claim Pension Credit, generating £7.9 million in annualised benefit, and 3,155 pension-age people secured Attendance Allowance, adding a further £16 million annually.

Earlier this year, the Department broadened its targeted advice offer with the launch of the Veterans Support Line NI. It also delivers advice via its Jobs and Benefits network across Northern Ireland, in partnership with AdviceNI and the Northern Ireland Debt Advice Service, supported by comprehensive online guidance. Collaboration with the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) further strengthens support available to the public.

Janine Maher, Northern Ireland Manager at the Money and Pensions Service, said: "Right now, many people across Northern Ireland are under financial pressure. Rising costs, unexpected expenses and wider economic uncertainty can make managing money feel overwhelming, but you are not alone.

"This Talk Money Week I would encourage everyone to take that first step towards feeling more confident and in control of their financial future. Even small changes can make a big difference."

The refreshed Make the Call advertising will run across traditional and social media from November 2026 through February 2027.

To Make the Call, phone 0800 232 1271 or text ADVICE to 079 8440 5248. Visit nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall or email makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk.