Voluntary Action Rotherham

In Rotherham it is estimated that nearly a quarter of all adults are at risk of financial exclusion. Approximately 14,500 adults have no bank account. Over 13,000 children live in workless households.

For many this means:

• Increased costs
• Hardship
• Disadvantage
• Loss of opportunities

Financial exclusion creates barriers to employment, increases the risk of ill health and leads to substantial and continued social and financial isolation.

The financial inclusion team have produced three publications that provide more information about our work. Each can be downloaded for free by clicking on the titles below.

Quids In: A report marking the half-way point of the project, which sets out the context in which financial inclusion work is being delivered in Rotherham and a few of our initiatives.

Gearing Up for Financial Inclusion: A report on the achievements of the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership Financial Inclusion Project in South Yorkshire 2009-10.

Financial Inclusion in Rotherham: A leaflet to download with some introductory information about financial inclusion and the work being done in Rotherham.

What we are doing in Rotherham

Already many initiatives are underway to tackle the problem. With support from over 150 organisations and individuals Rotherham has developed a Financial Inclusion Strategy which aims to:

• Co-ordinate services to tackle financial exclusion
• Encourage new ideas and approaches
• Promote our work locally and nationally
• Share good practice

A Financial Inclusion Strategy Team is overseeing the implementation of the strategy. The three main components are: face to face debt and money advice, access to affordable credit and financial services, and financial capability training and education.