Let's Talk Money

A recent survey of residents living in the most disadvantaged wards in Leeds established that incomes were generally low as a significant percentage were workless and living on benefits. People were just managing to get by but others (9%) were getting into difficulties with managing their money. There was a worry about getting into debt, some were very worried.

If a financial emergency arose most said they would ask friends or families. Others said they did not know where they would go. Only 14% had recently been anywhere for advice about financial matters. It is clear lots of families need to be reached, supported and helped.

This course is written to help adults sort out their finances. It's about spending, saving, borrowing and how to manage the choices they make.

A tutors' guide has been produced with recommended resources for all the sessions. All students should complete Unit 1, but there is the opportunity to do further units. It can add up to 30 hours of study to be accredited.

These materials are real and fit the context many families face. Working in a team, facing the challenges of budgeting both individually and seeing how others do it. Finally you learn to prioritise and consider future sources of help available with financial planning.

This scheme of work sets out to address the needs of adults. In doing so it will assist in the process of Narrowing the Gap.

Learning Partnerships received funding in 2008 from International Personal Finance to pilot and deliver this project across South and East Leeds. The pilot projects that have taken place to date have been a huge success and new units are being created as the programme develops.