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2
Financial Inclusion
This workshop was presented by PennySmart, a
community interest company who provide money
advice, education and training services. The issues of
‘financial inclusion’ were outlined, and then delegates
were given the opportunity to discuss how Trafford Hall
could play a part in addressing some of these
issues/barriers to financial inclusion in their
communities.
What are the areas of need that need to be addressed by training?
This question generated a very broad response because the topic of ‘financial inclusion’
encompasses such a wide range of issues. Delegates identified the most pressing issues facing
their communities and specified the areas of need to be addressed by training.
Advice, education and skills:
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Setting up a bank account
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Accessing credit unions
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Filling out application forms
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Understanding the benefit system and keeping up-to-date with changes to entitlements
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Debt management
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Raising awareness of risks of payday loans and loan sharks
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IT skills – digital inclusion is linked to financial inclusion
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Adjusting to changes to benefit payments
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Need a better understanding of ‘alternative economy’ ideas to help financially excluded
people
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Improving communities’ understanding of debt – debt can be simple to deal with if you
know what to do
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People/counselling skills
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Learning to spot the early warning signs of community members who may be getting
into trouble – referring them to appropriate advice/support