Young mums from North Bournemouth get to grips with their finances through money management course

Young mums from Action for Children's North Bournemouth Children's Centres have been getting to grips with their personal finances through participating in an innovative money management course.

The centres work with parents and families in the local community to offer support, advice and information aimed at giving children and young people the best start in life. Some of the services they offer include parent and toddler groups, advice on entering employment, support with English and Maths, and the best way to manage a family's household budget. As part of this, the project aims to improve the young people's financial capability through the Barclays Money Skills programme.

Action for Children is working in partnership with Barclays to deliver the Barclays Money Skills programme to young people who may be struggling to manage their finances. They are provided with the tools and support needed to improve their money management skills and gain a better understanding of financial matters, covering topics such as budgeting, managing bank accounts, and credit and debit.

Anna Batty, Service Manager for North Bournemouth Children's Centres, said: "Managing personal finances has become increasingly more complex and it is easy  to make mistakes that can have a huge impact later in life.

"Since starting the Barclays Money Skills programme, many of the centres' young mums have completely changed the way they think and feel about money and have gained such confidence in their abilities, which is fantastic to see!"

Wendy Grocott and Nicki Penniall, part of Barclays Corporate in Southampton, volunteered their time to deliver an interactive session to the group and offer advice on money management. Wendy said: "It's essential that young people have the opportunity to build their financial skills and confidence.

"Many of the young people that Action for Children supports face a particularly challenging set of circumstances, and need practical financial advice to help them manage their money effectively. We are working together to make a very real and sustainable difference to the lives of young people in Bournemouth."

This year, Action for Children projects will reach more than 2,500 of the UK's most vulnerable young people aged 16-25 through Barclays Money Skills sessions, including young parents and young carers, those in youth clubs and training centres, and to help young people leaving care prepare to manage their own tenancy for the first time.

For more information on North Bournemouth Children's Centres or the Barclays Money Skills programme, contact Anna Batty on 01202 593 086 or visit www.barclaysmoneyskills.com