Jubilee celebrations for young people from Haddington thanks to money management course

Young people from Action for Children's East Lothian New Horizons Housing Support Service, based in Haddington, celebrated the Diamond Jubilee this week by organising their own party on a budget as part of an innovative money management course.

The service's young people were tasked with putting their money skills to the test in planning a Jubilee party themselves. They were provided with a specifically designed resource pack offering tips on how to host a party on a budget. New Horizons offers residential support to young people who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless. As part of this, the service aims to improve the young people's financial capability through the Barclays Money Skills budgeting exercise.

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.

Paula Gaunt-Richardson, Service Manager at East Lothian New Horizons Housing Support Service, said: "Managing personal finances has become increasingly more complex and it is easy for young people to make mistakes that have a huge impact later in their lives. The opportunity to take part in the Barclays Money Skills budgeting sessions has been invaluable for the young people in their preparation for more independent living."

Rachel Herbinson, Community Business Partner for Barclays in Scotland and the North West, said: "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. It's essential that these young people have the opportunity to build their financial skills and confidence.

"The Jubilee Party resource includes a planning checklist, a step-by-step budgeting guide and do-it-yourself decorations and recipes, which helped to make the learning experience fun and engaging," continued Rachel.

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 East Lothian New Horizons Housing Support Service or Barclays Money Skills, contact Paula Gaunt-Richardson on 01620 829807 or visit www.barclaysmoneyskills.com