Financial Inclusion

Transformation Cornwall are working with partners across the county to highlight Cornish and national financial inclusion work. Below are some of the organisations, services, resources and reading. Please contact us at info@transformation-cornwall.org.uk if you would like to add to the below:

• Cornwall: Worrying About Money? leaflet: In June 2021, Transformation Cornwall worked with partners at the Trussell Trust, IFAN (Independent Food Aid Network) & Cornwall Council to produce the 'Cornwall: Worrying About Money?' leaflet. The leaflet is a simple resource for people facing financial crisis - and those who are supporting them - to quickly see available advice and support options and which agencies are best placed to help. The aim is to reduce the need for emergency food aid by helping people access any existing financial entitlements and advice on income maximisation.

You can watch our short film about the leaflet HERE, download a version of the leaflet hardcopy HERE, download a digital version of the leaflet HERE & order (free) copies of the leaflet HERE.

• Kernow Credit Union: Kernow Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial organisation voluntary led by Members for the benefit of Members. Membership is open to anyone living and /or working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Savings and loans are available at fair and reasonable rates of interest to suit your needs.

• Christians Against Poverty (CAP): CAP aim to release people from poverty through debt counselling and community groups. CAP offers courses and resources for churches looking to engage with issues of financial poverty.

• Turn 2 Us: Turn2us is a national charity helping people when times get tough. Their website provides a comprehensive benefits checker, grant database and list information and help around finance.

• StepChange: Debt Charity: Provide free, confidential and expert debt advice and money guidance. StepChange recommend the best solution or service for your individual circumstances and support their customers while they deal with their money worries, for as long as you need their help. StepChange also campaign to reduce the risk of problem debt and the harm it causes.

• Money Advice Service: A national organisation providing free and impartial money advice, set up by government. The Money Advice Service provide advice and guides to help improve your finances; tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead;and support over the phone and online.

• National Debt Line: Open and ready to help you - services include an online tool to get debt help; webchat with a specialist advisor Mon to Fri 9am - 8pm and Sat 9:30 am - 1pm) or advice by email. National Debt Line also have a 'Coronavirus hub' with the latest information and advice on the help available.

• Just Finance Foundation: The Just Finance Foundation has a vision of a fair financial system and addresses the issues of financial exclusion, distress caused by unmanageable money worries and debt, and the lack of practical knowledge around budgeting, saving and spending. They offer three training courses for churches and individuals looking to address these issues.

Reports:

• Shipshape or sinking ship? Problem debt’s impact on financial and mental wellbeing. Published in July 2021 by Christians Against Poverty (CAP), the report presents the factors that limit the wellbeing of people in financial difficulty, and considers the role debt advice, creditors and government can play in improving the financial and mental wellbeing of the UK population, helping people move on from problem debt for good.

• No One Left Behind: Making debt support work for people on Universal Credit. Published in November 2020 this report focused on The Government’s 'Breathing Space Scheme', which halted enforcement action from creditors and interest on repayments frozen for people with problem debt for 60 days while people received professional debt advice to find a long-term solution to their financial difficulties. The report calls for government loans, such as Advance Payments for Universal Credit claimants, to be included in the Breathing Space Scheme from the outset.

• God and the Moneylenders: faith and the battle against exploitative lending. A report by The Centre for Theology & Community focusing on how those of faith can respond to the rise in exploitative money lending practices.

• More than Just Credit?: The experience of Credit Unions building financial resilience in communities. A report by the Just Finance Foundation and the research and policy team at Church Urban Fund.