Local MP supports money management training for vulnerable young people in Bury

Young care leavers fromThe Extra Mile project in Bury celebrated their successful completion of an innovative money management course on Friday 16 March, with a special visit from local MP, David Nuttall.

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.

Local MP David Nuttall, who met some of the participants to congratulate them and award certificates for their hard work, commented: "The support Action for Children and Barclays are giving young people in helping them get to grips with their finances is fantastic. For many young people, it can be difficult to manage their money effectively. The Barclays Money Skills programme is a really practical way of equipping these young people with the knowledge and tools that will help them do this."

The Extra Mile project helps young people in the local community who are leaving local authority care prepare to take their first steps towards living an independent life; including helping them find a safe and welcoming home, employment or training opportunities, and offering advice on how to manage their finances. The project also operates a Supported Lodgings scheme, which aims to reduce homelessness by offering local young people a place to live in a supported environment.

Catherine Slater, Service Manager at The Extra Mile, said: "We were delighted to have David Nuttall visit the project and support the work the young care leavers have been doing these past few weeks.

"Since starting the programme, many of the project's young people have completely changed the way they think about money and gained such confidence in their abilities, which is fantastic to see!"

Anne-Louise Heslop, Manager of the Barclays Bury branch, 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 support 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 Bury."
 
For more information on The Extra Mile project or the Barclays Money Skills programme, contact Catherine Slater on 0161 253 6666 or visit www.barclaysmoneyskills.com