Financial education

One of the 4 objects of a credit union as laid down in the Credit Unions Act 1979 is:

The training and education of members in the wise use of money and in the management of their financial affairs.

Credit unions fulfil this object in a number of ways including inductions to new members, education sessions and providing written information. Credit unions work in partnership with other organisations to provide education to members and the wider communities in which they operate.

CONNECT Project - o The project worked to encourage and develop links between credit unions and Citizens Advice Bureaux so that people in need of money guidance can access the services they need.

Schools and Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education - Credit unions around the country work with schools to support the delivery of financial education. Children have been involved in running school collection points, forming shadow boards of directors and credit union staff and volunteers often welcome school parties for field trips or take one-off lessons around financial matters.

ABCUL commissioned a report, published in 2010, into credit unions' work in schools, which is available to read here. Education Scotland has recently released resources for schools and credit unions looking to build such partnerships.

ABCUL: The Northern Money Conference 2012

The Northern Money Conference 2012 has grown to become the largest conference in Britain to address issues concerning the financial health and wellbeing of low and moderate-income households.

ABCUL: Credit unions welcome progress on legislation

ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions – has welcomed steps taken in Parliament this week which will see increased access to safe and ethical financial services in communities and workplaces across the country.

Credit union delight at £73 million Government boost

Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL - the Association of British Credit Unions, has welcomed today's announcement that the Government is investing up to £73 million in credit unions over the next four years, and that the Post Office could play a central role in delivering credit union services.

ABCUL: Now there's an easier way to find your local credit union

Around 80% of people in England, Scotland and Wales can join a credit union because of where they live, work or the organisations they're members of, and this is growing all the time. Now there's one place where they can find out about the credit unions they can use.

ABCUL: Credit unions welcome Post Office plans

ABCUL - the Association of British Credit Unions - has welcomed today's policy statement from The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on its plans to secure the long term future of the Post Office.