Helping the isolated/vulnerable to develop digital skills enabling access to financial services and informed decisions about managing money
by Alec Jones-Hall in Lichfield, England, United Kingdom
We would plan to engage with more new people across the area who perhaps were not driven by the primary care need but instead are isolated and lack financial skills – we think this grant will enable us to bring benefits to a broader section of our community as it will be an increased service offer that will be of value to them.
With increased funding we will support more people for longer.
We’re taking part in the National Emergencies Trust Local Action Fund. Donations to our project will be matched by the fund up to the value of £250 to help us overcome the effects of the pandemic.
Please note only one donation per supporter will be matched by the National Emergencies Trust Local Action Fund.
No-one should feel that they cannot access financial services...
Cherishers 811 CIC provides care and support. We truly give a voice to those who are experiencing social and economic deprivation, and focus on support for disabled and vulnerable people. We empower the Elderly & Disabled to stay active while living with a disability. We respond to the community needs by providing focused care, community, and sports therapy activities for free, on demand.
We provide many activities including in person anti-loneliness events and keep people active, engaged and connected! We provide care, companionship, a careline for ongoing communication, address digital poverty so they can stay connected with friends and family; and Green therapies alongside adapted sports therapies to keep everyone active.
Cherishers understand the importance of digital financial skills. Many clients need to use internet banking for the first time to carry out basic transactions. They are panicked – but being a trusted carer, we help with financial management as well as other aspects of care. We are in a unique position of trust to assist the vulnerable and isolated.
We will direct them to appropriate financial advice from experts as needed but our help is specifically to provide assistance with every day financial access – such as helping set up a direct debit.
We support those with local bank closures and Digital poverty providing tablets to aid communication and maintain connection.
Cherishers provide care/befriending in a unique position of trust to those aged 60-90, we have identified the need for specially trained assistants and technology to provide access to mainstream financial services and tools. We go into homes as carers / befrienders and teach digital skills which promotes independence, combats isolations and loneliness. We see the requirement as being a critical lifeline providing financial independence to vulnerable clients through access to financial services.
We can help the elderly, disabled and whose local branch has shut or cannot easily get to the bank.
We will provide more support for those with Digital poverty – we could provide tablets with a dongle so clients can connect with their friends and family – allowing one hour of facetime with their relatives, - we also teach them how to buy online and conduct internet banking. Allowing people to get what they need themselves. We will support those who struggle using technology.
Financial Wellbeing means to us - Helping people take control of their wellbeing by giving them the tools to be more financially independent and ready for anything
We will engage with new people across the area who perhaps were not driven by the primary care need but instead are isolated and lack financial skills – we think this grant will enable us to bring benefits to a broader section of our community as it will be an increased service offer that will be of value to them. We will use the funds to employ 2 part time financial support assistants for 6 months and buy the technology they need to help others - Tablets and Dongles/Wifi access equipment.
“Cherishers what a kind-hearted, selfless and compassionate team! My mother and I both contacted COVID and was rushed into hospital (intensive care). Sadly, my mother died, and I survived however I was left physically disabled from the disease. After surviving Covid and coming home following 3 months in hospital you provided me with the support to rebuild my life! Yet nothing has been too much for you… from Hospital appointments, doctor trips, cleaning my home, picking up my prescriptions and doing my shopping! I can honestly say that without your friendship and services I don’t think I would have wanted to face the world anymore! I am able to move on from the loss of my Mother knowing that I have a new family with the team at Cherishers who genuinely care THANK YOU”
Thank you again on behalf of Cherishers for all of your support - it means so much!
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.