Money advice event pays dividends for Wythenshawe residents

A recent financial advice event in Wythenshawe has paid off after it gave individual help to 250 residents with specific money issues.

Money Week, which was held from Monday 16 to Friday 20 August, was organised by Manchester City Council, Willow Park Housing Trust and Parkway Green Housing Trust.

The aim of the event was to discuss all things financial and to give residents professional advice on anything from benefits to savings accounts and how to budget effectively. Experts, including staff from Moneymadeclear - a financial advice service from the Government - manned stalls in the town centre and gave confidential 'money makeovers'.

In total, 250 residents were given information and advice on money matters; 39 people had one-to-one appointments with debt and welfare rights advisers; and 61 new savings accounts were opened with Manchester Credit Union. In addition, information was uncovered during the event about suspected illegal money lending, which was passed to Greater Manchester Police.

Councillor Sameen Ali, Executive Member for Employment and Skills at Manchester City Council, said: "The week gave residents the chance to ask specific questions about their own situations, rather than just listen to general advice. You can't underestimate how important that dedicated, personal service is, especially in today's difficult economic climate."

A follow-up event, called Wythenshawe Money Day, has been organised for Friday 10 December in the town centre. Advice will be available on avoiding debts and illegal money lenders. The Wythenshawe event will fit into the council's Helping Hands campaign, designed to help residents through the recession.

For further information about Wythenshawe Money Day please call Sandra Gaskill on 0161 499 7778.