Local MP supports money management training for vulnerable young people in King's Lynn

Local MP, Henry Bellingham showed his support this week (Tuesday 29 May) to young people at Action for Children's Vancouver Children's Centre who have been getting to grips with their personal finances through participating in an innovative money management course.

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 Henry Bellingham, who met some of the participants to hear about their experiences and congratulate them 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 Vancouver Children's Centre provides integrated education with childcare, family support and health services to achieve good outcomes for children under 5 and their families. This includes offering services such as learning to eat healthily on a budget, 'Stay and Play' - a group for parents and children to play together with art/ craft, music and sound - and the Barclays Money Skills programme.

Michelle Walker, Service Manager for Vancouver Children's Centre, said: "We were delighted to have Henry visit the project and support the work the young people 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!"

Stuart Morley, Barclays Area Director for North West Anglia, 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 King's Lynn."

For more information on Vancouver Children's Centre or Barclays Money Skills, contact Michelle Walker on 01553 762805 or visit www.barclaysmoneyskills.com