THE advisers on the Bank Workers Charity helpline are used to hearing about issues that affect the banking community, and increasingly they are receiving calls about debt.
Despite signs that the economy is recovering, families are still struggling to cover their costs.
An Office for National Statistics report this year stated that families have seen their disposable income drop by £400 since 2010.
Similarly, a study by the Joseph Rountree Foundation has discovered that due to wage stagnation and the increasing cost of living, the number of households that are unable to maintain an acceptable standard of living has risen by a third.
It is tempting to think that those working in the banking sector are secure. However, households can experience financial hardship at any time. Situations such as a job loss, ill health, disability or family breakdown can all place a huge strain on income. All it takes is one change for a household to struggle, and we at the Bank Workers Charity are here to support all current and former bank workers and their families, whenever they need support.
We often find that clients come to us for help as a result of an unexpected change in their lives, and many people are not aware of which benefits are available. We had a client who was knocked off his bike, meaning he could no longer work, and began to worry he could not afford his bills. We advised him on which benefits were appropriate, and he was able to gain a steady income so that he could support himself and focus on his recovery. The One Change campaign is an excellent initiative, as more people need to be aware of the benefits that are available – Laura Mitchell, Services Manager, Bank Workers Charity.
To address these issues, the Bank Workers Charity is supporting the charity Turn2us by highlighting their Benefits Awareness Month campaign.
From 15 April – 15 May, we are supporting Turn2Us by promoting the idea that ‘One Change’ is all it takes to experience financial hardship, and what support is available if this happens. We will be using the #onechange hashtag on Twitter to promote awareness of benefits, and share advice and guidance.
The Bank Workers Charity is encouraging everyone to check what financial support could be available by using Turn2us’ free, online Benefits Calculator and Grants Checker on our website, as well as advice and guidance on living on a budget. Similar information and details of the ‘One Change’ campaign can also be found on the Turn2Us website.
The Bank Workers Charity is proud to be the only UK charity specialising on the needs of banking community.
If you are a current or former bank worker, or are related to somebody that is, we are here for you.
You can access our range of support services on our website, www.bwcharity.org.uk or by speaking to our specialist advisors on 0800 0234 834 between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
