Briefing Note – Funding for Talk Money and Cash first

May 2023

Background

1. York Talk Money was created in 2021 to support people struggling financially. The Advice York partnership came together to host a month of activities, events and signposting to resources. This includes advice and support from our partners including, Older Citizens Advocacy York, York Energy Advice, Stop Loan Sharks and Community First Credit Union.

2. The partnership merged two national campaigns into a month of action in York called Challenge Poverty – Talk Money Month, with the aim to help residents

· Feel more confident about managing your money;

· Know where to get good information and advice

· Know what financial support is available and how to get it

· Get the best deal on your gas, electricity and internet bills

· Find good debt advice.

3. To support this we set up an information page on www.livewellyork/talkmoney providing a pool of resources from a range of experts and we promoted advice and support available at community hubs.

4. The campaign was successful and following the positive out comes from this, we are held further week long promotions in Feb, April, July and a month in Oct/Nov 22.

5. We have the Talk Money page so this is continue as an ongoing resource. This has been the most visited page on www.livewellyork.gov.uk.

6. The Advice York Guide was updated in 2021 and in 2022 we worked with Independent Food Aid Network to develop the.  'Worrying About Money?' guide. This has been distributed across widely across the city including libraries, community centres and support services.

7. Following the month of action the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) received a report of a further loan shark operating in the city; 30 new members signed up for a Credit Union account eligible under the £25 ILMT incentive within the North Yorkshire.

Live Well York Talk Money page views -  Oct 21 to Oct 22
Month	LWY Total Views	Talk Money views	% of Page Views
Oct	30050	1373	4.57
Nov	32047	309	0.96
Dec	24999	213	0.85
Jan	31232	580	1.86
Feb	29936	421	1.41
March	29519	185	0.63
April	30107	638	2.12
May	37353	360	0.96
June	32725	230	0.70
July	40782	1236	3.03
Aug	36653	588	1.60
Sep	36545	1294	3.54
Oct	37210	1745	4.69

Talk Money 2023/24

8. The partnership has agreed continuing the York Talk Money campaign this year is an important way to support people through the continuing cost of living crisis.

9. The campaign will take place during the following weeks, in the lead up to the summer holidays, Christmas and February half term

· Mon 26 June to Fri 3 July

· Mon 30 Oct to Fri 11 Nov

· Mon 29 Jan to Fri 5 Feb 24

10. The £5,000 funding will support the campaign materials and events, including printing and distribution of leaflets