In Clubmoor, Cash Smart Credit Savvy enhances people’s financial capability skills and connects the local community

In the neighbourhood of Clubmoor in Liverpool, one of the most deprived areas in the UK, a local charity has found a way to embed Cash Smart Credit Savvy (CSCS) into their own money management programming work. St Andrew’s Community Network has enthusiastically adopted CSCS into their debt and budgeting work and cascaded the resources to a range of audiences in their community.

St Andrew’s has delivered the short introductory course to budgeting and saving to members of their own organisation, as well as staff and volunteers from local agencies such as the YMCA, a housing charity, and a family welfare charity. CSCS will equip the attendees to use the materials with their own clients in group or one-on-one settings and participants are also encouraged to share their learning with family and friends.

In addition to delivering CSCS in Clubmoor, St Andrew’s has also run the programme at a local addiction rehabilitation centre, where it has been very well-received by all participants. At the end of this programme, St Andrew’s hosted a small celebration where participants received a certificate, enjoyed tea and cakes, and were signposted to other money management resources and opportunities. The work has generated tangible benefits: one participant, Tony (not his real name), was motivated to take control of his finances and enrol in debt advice as a result of his experience with CSCS.

Participants also benefit from attending group sessions and sharing experiences. Dealing with budget constraints and debt concerns can be very isolating, and CSCS attendees in Clubmoor have appreciated the lively group exercises where they can share ideas with each other, building solidarity and confidence. The St Andrew’s CSCS Facilitator commented, “The course is fantastic. It’s really engaging and motivating for people to work through budgeting challenges in a supportive social environment.”