Autumn Day Out for young mums from Failsworth thanks to money management course

Young mums from Action for Children's Failsworth Children's Centre experienced the Manchester art scene this week after organising a fun day out on a budget as part of an innovative money management course from Barclays.

The project's young people were tasked with putting their money skills to the test by organising a trip to Whitworth Art Gallery for the group. They were provided with a specifically designed 'Planning a Trip' resource pack offering tips on how to organise a group outing on a budget, generously funded by Barclays Money Skills.

Failsworth Children's Centre provides early education, family support and parental outreach for children aged 0-5 and their families including the Ante Natal Clinic, Family Learning sessions and a regular Young Parents Group. As part of this, the project aims to improve the financial capability of young parents 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.

Catherine McKee, Senior Family Engagement Worker at Failsworth Children's Centre, said: "Managing personal finances has become increasingly more complex and it is easy for young people to make mistakes that may have a huge impact later in their lives.

"It's great to see that, since taking part in the Planning a Trip budgeting session and organising a mother-and-baby day at the Whitworth Art Gallery, many of the project's young people have already begun to change the way they think and feel about money, which is fantastic to see!"

Rachel Herbinson, Community Business Partner for Barclays in Manchester 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 to enable them to work towards an independent future.

"The Planning a Trip resource includes a planning checklist, a step-by-step budgeting guide and lots of useful tips about making your money go further, 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 Failsworth Children's Centre or the Barclays Money Skills programme, contact Catherine McKee on 0161 770 8398 or visit www.barclaysmoneyskills.com