Money advice given to young carers

Monday 16th April 2012

Young carers are being given practical advice to improve their financial know-how.

Teenagers supported by Dudley Young Carers project, which is run by Action For Children, have looked at budgeting and managing bank accounts as part of the Barclays Money Skills course.

It is run by Action For Children with Barclays, and also helps the young people understand financial terms such as credit and debit.

Jackie Benton, young carers co-ordinator for the project at Stourbridge Children's Centre, said: "Managing personal finances has become increasingly more complex and it is easy for young people to make mistakes that have a huge impact later in their lives.

"Since starting the Barclays Money Skills programme, many of the project's young people have changed the way they think and feel about money."

Karen Longhurst and Julie Kelly, from Stourbridge, who work for Barclays Corporate in the Midlands, volunteered to deliver the course.

Karen said: "It's essential that young people have the opportunity to build their financial skills and confidence. Many of the young people that Action For Children supports face a particularly challenging set of circumstances, and need practical financial advice to help them manage their money effectively.

"We are working together to make a very real and sustainable difference to the lives of young people in Dudley."

Nationally, the charity hopes to reach more than 2,500 people aged 16 to 25 through Barclays Money Skills sessions.

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