More than 600 pupils at a Stafford high school have taken part in a project which helps them to build knowledge, confidence and financial resilience, thanks to a donation from Housing Plus Group.
The affordable housing provider donated £1,400 to Community Safety Education (CSE).
CSE is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering disadvantaged young people in its communities. Its mission is to provide vital education where it is most needed, with the aim of equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to shape safer, resilient futures for themselves and their communities.
Housing Plus Group’s contribution was put towards CSE’s Moneywise project at Stafford Manor High School, where the team worked with pupils to empower them with the knowledge and necessary skills to make informed financial decisions. More than 600 pupils were given access to Moneywise’s resources, books and educational materials.
Following the success of the programme at Stafford Manor High School, Housing Plus Group has donated a further £1,400 to CSE to help run the financial literacy courses at King Edward VI School in Stafford.
Callam Smith, Project Manager at CSE, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from Housing Plus Group, which is helping to deliver the Moneywise project at not one but two schools in Stafford.
“Technology can blur the lines between gaming and gambling, and ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes can be taken up in just a click, therefore it’s essential that young people are informed and understand how to manage these financial risks early on.
“For many, this will be their first opportunity to talk about money in a meaningful way. Through relatable examples and interactive sessions, the Moneywise project encourages open conversations and builds responsible habits.
“Initial impact of the project at Stafford Manor High School tells us that over 89 per cent of participants will feel more confident talking about money after the sessions, and that 86 per cent achieve a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ understanding of these important financial concepts.”
Housing Plus Group’s My Community Fund helps to support a wide range of projects run by voluntary groups and organisations in Staffordshire, Shropshire and Telford.
Kevin Davies, Head of Neighbourhoods at Housing Plus Group, said: “I’m delighted that we can help Community Safety Education provide financial literacy skills to young people at Stafford Manor High School and King Edward VI High School.
“It’s great to hear that the students feel more comfortable discussing financial concepts with their friends and family and hopefully they will build long lasting skills that will help them in the future.”
The My Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Jewson and Efficiency East Midlands Limited (EEM), supports grass-roots organisations in Staffordshire, Shropshire and Telford. Local charities and voluntary groups can apply for grants online at: https://www.housingplusgroup.co.uk/contact/my-community-fund/