Celebrations for young carers from Motherwell thanks to money management course

Young people from Action for Children's North Lanarkshire Young Carers project in Motherwell have been celebrating summer by organising their own day out on a budget as part of an innovative money management course.

The project's young people were tasked with putting their money skills to the test in planning a group day out and a meal. They were provided with a specifically designed resource pack offering tips on how to organise an event on a budget.

North Lanarkshire Young Carers supports just under 140 children and young people who are currently caring for a member of their family who is unable to care for themselves. Spending time at the project gives these young people a chance to receive practical and emotional support, and share their experiences with other carers. 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.

Elizabeth Reid, Service Manager at North Lanarkshire Young Carers, 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.

"It's great to see that, since taking part in the Barclays Money Skills budgeting session, many of the project's young people have already begun to change the way they think and feel about money!"

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 budgeting resources include a planning checklist and a step-by-step budgeting guide, which help make learning about personal finances 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 North Lanarkshire Young Carers, contact Elizabeth Reid on 01698 258 801 or visit www.barclaysmoneyskills.com