Money First Aider®: James Griffiths
We spoke to James Griffiths, Regional Learning Coordinator at First Bus, about why he became a Money First Aider®, what he learned from the experience, and how he has used the training to support his colleagues through financial challenges.
James completed the Money First Aid course in January 2025. Since then he has supported colleagues through 72 conversations about financial challenges. He has become one of the most impactful Money First Aiders in our community and at First Bus.
What made you want to become a Money First Aider®?
“First Bus gave me the opportunity to complete the training and I jumped at the opportunity. I had seen first hand how money challenges had impacted people in our team and I wanted to be able to help in a meaningful, practical way.”
What kinds of money worries do colleagues bring to you?
“It’s a real range. Colleagues have come to me about debt, living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of living, bereavement, money and mental health, childcare, emergency savings, housing issues, addiction, redundancy and gambling.”
Can you tell us about a conversation that stayed with you?
“One of the first conversations I had was around gambling, and how they were struggling. Since signposting them to support and catching up with them regularly, they’ve been gambling-free for about 12 months now. They have their own flat, and have also been in a relationship for the past three months.”
Where do you signpost people to?
It depends on what the colleague needs and what money challenge they are dealing with. I often signpost to our internal EAP, union support, the local housing authority, The Money Charity, Worrying About Money, Entitled To, Gov.uk and MoneyHelper. Money First Aid provides so many free and impartial resources as part of the training, organised into different financial areas so they’re easy to find.
How does First Bus support you in the role?
“I’m given time and support by First Bus to use these skills and have the conversations. Our senior leaders have really championed the initiative. They invited me to join them to speak about my Money First Aid skills on stage at Employee Benefits Live 2026 which was a great experience for me.”
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Money First Aider®?
“…”
Thanks James!
First Bus won Best Benefits Strategy/Innovation of the Year at the 2025 WSB Awards.
Download James’s case study here.
If you’re interested in training members of your team to become Money First Aiders, get in touch.
