Francesca Smith

Senior Research Officer

Francesca is a Senior Research Officer at the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, supporting the research team in exploring the connections between financial difficulties and mental health problems. She is particularly passionate about eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health problems in underrepresented groups. Prior to joining the team, Francesca worked in research and financial planning at a business consultancy firm. Outside of work, Francesca enjoys travelling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. (she/her)

Policy notes and publications

Fairer finances July 31, 2025 - Improving financial services for people with mental health problems from minoritised ethnic groups.
Nothing personal July 17, 2025 - Exploring the psychological harm of national government debt collection.
Reforming the Mental Health Act October 23, 2024 - Time to tackle the links between financial difficulty and acute mental illness.
In the public interest? September 9, 2024 - The psychological toll of local and national government debt collection practices.

Money and Mental Health respond to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s consultation on Modernising and improving the administration of council tax September 10, 2025 - We warmly welcome the government's proposals to extend the timeline of council tax debt collection, place a cap on liability orders, and mitigate the harm that the collections process can cause for people with mental health problems.
Money and Mental Health respond to the consultation on improving the administration and enforcement of Council Tax in Wales July 23, 2025 - Money and Mental Health respond to the consultation on improving the administration and enforcement of Council Tax in Wales
Money and Mental Health respond to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on the regulation of the debt enforcement sector July 18, 2025 - Money and Mental Health respond to the Ministry of Justice's consultation on the regulation of the debt enforcement sector
Money and Mental Health respond to the Health and Social Care Committee’s call for evidence on Community Mental Health Services February 4, 2025 - Money and Mental Health respond to the Health and Social Care Committee's call for evidence on Community Mental Health Services

Recent blogs