Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Financial advice agencies Connect

by Ethos public relations

North Yorkshire Credit Union and North Yorkshire Advice came together to
encourage local branches of the Citizens Advice Bureaux across the county to work in partnership with the credit union. The new partnership approach is designed to provide a more holistic financial solution and greater stability for financially vulnerable people.

This event was hosted by The Connect 2 Project, funded by Barclays and in partnership with The Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL) and Citizens Advice.

North Yorkshire Credit Union has already worked very successfully with its local CAB and the event showed this clearly, and helped to demonstrate the valuable difference that working together is making to those struggling to cope with their finances.

Anne Selka, Project Manager at ABCUL, said: "This was the first workshop for Connect 2 and I am delighted to say that the CABx gave very positive feedback. It was clear there was a lot both organisations had in common and it makes sense to work closer together."

Citizens Advice and ABCUL want to encourage the development of further relationships between CABx and credit unions across the UK so that financial and debt advice can be provided alongside credit union services and cross-referrals can be facilitated where applicable.

Elizabeth Ladimeji, Head of National Partnership Development at Citizens Advice, said: "Citizens Advice is delighted to be working with ABCUL on this project - a partnership linking bureaux and credit unions in providing a pathway to financial inclusion and stability for vulnerable customers."

As the major funder of the Connect Project, Barclays is keen to support this type of collaborative working.

Community Investment Manager at Barclays, Marie Morris, said: "Barclays recognise that by supporting and partnering with community finance organisations such as credit unions we can deliver more fair and affordable alternatives to those on low income or benefits"

To find out more about The Connect Project and to get involved, please contact Project Manager, Anne Selka on 07899 951 682 or email anne.selka@abcul.org.

Posted at 8^th November 2009