Getting Value for money

When a group of UNISON ulrs got together in Devon to look at extending the range of learning opportunities in the area, results of a survey sent out to the membership revealed a huge interest in getting to get to grips with financial issues.

So with the help of the regional education team, they ran a free four-week pilot course in Exeter, delivered by the local not-for profit company Devon Pound, set up by the County Council to promote and work with credit unions in Devon.

“Devon Pound has materials on the complete range of financial issues, from household budgeting to investments, so we were able to work with them to concentrate on the areas our members were most interested in – which didn’t include stocks and shares!” explains Regional Learning and Development Organiser Edna Warwick.

“They explained things in a way that was easy to understand, like thinking of how we all need money in three separate places – the larder to cover day-today outgoings; the fridge for things we have planned; and the freezer for the long term, such as our pensions.”

Get the pitch right!

The course went down very well with everyone who participated, and the region is now currently working to combine financial know- how with the Numeracy National Tests.

Edna says “one of the most important things when arranging financial education is that regional education teams and ulrs are aware of what’s on offer. The main thing is to be clear what the course will cover and that the pitch right,” she says.