This blog highlights some of the work we did in 2024 in communities with high levels of financial exclusion in the Midlands including Stoke, Birmingham, Sandwell and North Staffordshire.

Tackling the Cost of living  

The cost of living is still very real for many people. We attended two events with the North Staffordshire Financial Inclusion Group and delivered information on affordable credit. These events focused on cost savings, access to finance and illegal money lending.

The Hub : North Staffordshire 

Aspire Housing opened a hub and brought together partners offering different services for the community under one roof. We had an advisor on the ground for people to speak to one day a week. Offering face to face services is so important for many people who are digitally excluded or lack digital confidence.

Partnering in Sandwell 

Last summer Moneyline worked alongside Stop Loan Sharks England, Black Country Housing Group, Life in Community CIC and Sandwell Council to promote alternatives to loan sharks in Tipton and Sandwell.

Access to credit in Stoke 

Stoke is a key focus area for us as there is no Credit Union in the area. In Autumn, we worked with Stop Loan Sharks England and Potteries Moneywise to talk about the dangers of loan sharks and the services we can offer. From February we will have someone  in Bentilee one day a week to support customers.

Talk Money Week 2024 

In November, we took part in Talk Money Week 2024. Our partnership manager, Karen, had a busy week and was out and about in Stoke, Sandwell and Tipton. 

Our Ongoing Mission 

Each partnership and community engagement approach reinforces our mission to support those most financially excluded. Through collaboration and outreach, we strive to improve financial resilience for everyone in our communities. We extend our thanks to all our partners and supporters for their continued involvement in this important work.