Supporting our local community

This year we have teamed up with Jericho to support the fantastic work they do in the local area.

Jericho supports seven social enterprises across Balsall Heath, Sutton Coldfield and Kings Heath, to provide supported work opportunities to people facing challenges in getting a job. These challenges include trauma, insufficient work experience, health and wellbeing needs, education barriers and communication difficulties. Jericho primarily supports young people and survivors of modern slavery.

Their social projects unlock the potential of people in Birmingham who are experiencing inequality in the job market, by giving them real work opportunities and individualised support through social enterprises, and ultimately help them progress towards sustainable employment.

• JERICHO supported apprenticeships are available for people who need a helping hand to enter the workforce and are designed to be a stepping-stone into sustainable employment.
• Equiano Plus is an employment-focused recovery project which provides long-term sustained support for Survivors of Modern Slavery.
• JERICHO Workwise provides year 10/11 pupils, who are at risk of educational and future social exclusion, with real work experience in one of our social enterprises.

With our core vision being focussed around ensuring our customers and communities own a more secure future, the work that Jericho do fully supports this ambition.

Throughout the year we will be hosting a range of fundraising activities, volunteer days, and work-experience opportunities to support the work of Jericho.

Volunteering

Giving time is one of the most valuable things for charities and local communities, and our colleagues are always willing to help. Every member of staff is entitled to 2 annual volunteer days and in the last 12 months our colleagues have given up 101 days at various charity organisations including:  John Taylor Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, St Mary’s Hospice, The Light Church Central Foodbank, Kinver Rotary, Provision House, Beacon Centre for the Blind, and Deighton Court Care Home.

Branch Community Cause

Each year, each of our 34 branches choose a local charity or community group to support throughout the year. Many of these charities are small community-run organisations, and the branch network host a range of fundraisers and competitions throughout the year to raise funds.

Financial Education

Our branch managers are also supporting the next generation of savers by spending time in local schools delivering money management workshops for the pupils. This offers useful insight into the real value of money, while also signalling the potential dangers of excessive debt. 

Our Money-Go-Round’ session is aimed at late primary school pupils, helping them to understand basic money topics such as how much things cost, and why it’s important to save.

For secondary school and college students we hold ‘Financial Fitness’ workshops, helping them to understand what their payslip means, how to spot a scam, what is a mortgage, and much more.

In the last 12 months we have also started to partner with schools for children with additional educational needs, offering tailored sessions to ensure all children are offered an opportunity to learn about money.