Residents across Barking and Dagenham will benefit from a new service designed to help people build financial confidence, improve money management skills and access support before money worries become a crisis.
The council has appointed We Are Group to work with local community organisations to provide advice, classes and help over the next two years.
The service will support residents aged 18 and over who live in Barking and Dagenham, helping them develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to manage their finances and improve their long-term financial wellbeing.
Delivered through trusted local community settings, including neighbourhood hubs, community centres, libraries, faith venues and other local organisations, the service will focus on early support and prevention, giving residents practical tools and guidance before financial difficulties escalate.
The service forms part of the council's neighbourhoods approach, bringing support closer to residents through trusted community networks and local partnerships.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham council, said: "We know that financial pressures can have a huge impact on people's health, wellbeing and quality of life. That's why we're investing in advice and early support that helps residents build the confidence and skills to manage their money and access the right help at the right time.
“By working with We Are Group and local community groups, we can reach residents where they feel most comfortable and provide support that helps prevent financial difficulties becoming a crisis. This partnership is another example of our commitment to supporting residents and creating stronger, more resilient communities."
The service will be delivered by We Are Group, combining financial education with local outreach and engagement. The model recognises the strong link between financial insecurity and physical and mental wellbeing and aims to ensure residents can access support before reaching crisis point.
Amir Farooq, Co-CEO and Chief Operations Officer of We Are Group, shared his delight: "Partnering with Barking and Dagenham Council aligns perfectly with our mission to make financial skills and money education accessible to everyone. We’re delighted that the council shares this ambition and has selected We Are Group, following a competitive tender process, to deliver money education and early intervention services to their residents.
By giving people, the knowledge, skills, and support they need to prevent financial difficulties before they arise, we can empower individuals to feel more confident and in control of their finances, helping to reduce financial stress and build greater financial resilience."
The new service builds on the council's wider work with partners to help residents through the cost-of-living crisis and improve financial wellbeing across the borough. It follows the recent launch of the Big Heart Food Hub, which brings together organisations to provide food support and advice in the heart of the community.
Recent resident insight highlights the scale of the challenge, with 24 per cent of residents saying they have skipped a meal because they could not afford it. Through initiatives such as the new partnership with We Are Group, the council is taking a preventative approach to helping residents build financial resilience, improve their money management skills and access support before reaching crisis point.
Residents can find out more about the new service and how to access it at https://www.wearegroup.com/money-support?hs_preview=gXAvvHHA-222107123013