Optima launches 'credit crunch' campaign
Optima is launching a campaign to help people with concerns about their finances during the credit crunch.
Money advisors will be on hand at various locations in Attwood Green central Birmingham, over the course of the next month to give advice on a range of issues including:
- Credit Unions
- Benefit Advice
- Savings on gas and electricity
- Debt advice and
- Low cost home contents insurance.
Optima’s head of regeneration, Angela Dyer said: “Our free money advice and debt counselling service is an important part of the help we offer residents with financial worries or those in danger of losing their tenancies.
“Last year saw the number of people helped by this service rise to 708 and the additional income brought into the area to over £1.2 million.
“Our work to prevent financial exclusion also includes the promotion the Credit Union, and over the last year local membership has risen to 141, many of whom are junior savers.”
Sponsorship from the Nationwide Building Society has enabled Optima to offer a cash incentive to those who chose to open an account with the local credit Union.
The aim behind this is to encourage saving and discourage people from using doorstep lenders who charge 180% interest, and illegal money lenders who are known to charge 300% and threaten violence.
To combat this, the campaign will promote the services of the Trading Standards Illegal Money lenders team.
Last updated: 04-09-2008
