Citizen Advice Copeland (CAC) And Whitehaven & District Credit Union (WEDCU)- Copeland Financial Inclusion Project

The continuation of the Financial Inclusion Project sees Citizens Advice Copeland delivering specialist debt and welfare benefit advice, providing financial resilience by maximising household income and dealing with debt. Together with WEDCU assisting customers to obtain basic bank accounts giving full access and control over finances.

The project will meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people living locally, The project will focus on those who have experienced an income shock either due to a relationship breakdown, reduction of earnings or loss of employment. As well as helping those who are just about managing to get by but have problem debt that they are struggling to manage.

The Grant awarded supports salaries and additional running costs and will:

● Provide specialist financial inclusion services.

● Safeguard specialist advice roles, skills and experience in the local area.

● Provide a package support and specialist advice tailored to meet the needs of families and individuals who are in work and in crisis.

● Recruit 6 Financial Inclusion volunteers to the Citizens Advice service support increased demand.

● Recruit 2 volunteers to WEDCU

● Address the issues that are impacting clients following the pandemic including problems relating to banking and overdrafts and the impact of gambling on household incomes.

● Address the increase in clients coming to us who have mental ill health which, in part, is due to their financial situation.

● Develop services in hard to reach communities throughout the local area

● Offer training and experience opportunities to local residents