Run by Karen Badenoch and Jessica Taylor, Trusted Money provides a safe, open environment where participants can talk about their money situations and worries. In the face of the cost-of-living crisis, Trusted Money offers an environment where there is the chance to share knowledge, and receive help and guidance, making the challenges of finance more manageable.

Trusted Money was awarded a Hyperlocal Grant which has enabled their 6-week programmes to continue in Colchester. The fund is administered by Community360 on behalf of One Colchester, the strategic partnership for Colchester.

“We are really looking forward to bringing people together to build a stronger financial community within the city.” Said Karen Badenoch. “Through our course, participants will come together, exchange experiences and learn from one another as well receiving support from guest professionals.”

She added: “People have improved their financial position by attending our ‘Money Confidence Programme’ in a variety of ways; From ending ‘buy now pay later’ schemes after 2 years of paying money back every month to managing finances to enable a trip to Canada to visit parents and even gaining new employment. We help participants to look at their finances and to empower and support them on their financial journey.”

One attendee said: “Before starting the programme I used to dread payday; all I could think was ‘I’ve worked so hard all month just to watch all my bills/debt take it all away with nothing left to do anything to enjoy life!  I had resigned myself to having to deprive myself of anything non-essential. I have now had my first month in two years where I haven’t had to borrow money from an institution, ask family/friends for help, use my credit card, and still have a positive bank balance!”

Guest Professional at Trusted Money Said: “We thought it was the most inclusive and informative group we’ve ever attended, and with no actual ‘teacher’ or ‘presenter’ it was quite something! In the 14 years of working with Mind, and the years prior to this in roles within the social care sector I’ve never seen anything quite like this before. The ideas and tips we came away with, the stories shared, the sense of collaboration, equality, and energy we felt was wonderful. If only life itself could be more like this!”

Each session of the 6-week programme targets a different aspect of finance, building a complete package of shared experiences, with representatives from a variety of agencies, for example Colchester City Council, C360, Mind, DWP and Saffron Building Society.

 

If you would like to get involved – as an attendee or guest professional contact the Trusted Money team by phone 07532 253540, email hello@trustedmoneyconfidence.com

Places are reserved for individuals rather than drop in and each person should commit to the full 6 weekly 2hr sessions.

www.trustedmoneyconfidence.com

This is one of nearly 40 projects the Hyperlocal Fund has supported, and we will be focusing on more projects over the coming months. The Hyperlocal Fund supported non-profit groups based in Colchester to build resilient local neighbourhoods. The consequences of the project were to improve greater levels of confidence, stronger social relationships and take up of health services by people who face challenges to doing so.

Click here to read more about the Hyperlocal Fund : https://www.community360.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hyperlocal.pdf