Donation will help people manage finances

Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau has received £9,307 to fund a financial education programme for disadvantaged people in Exeter.

The donation was provided by the Santander Foundation which offers grants to UK registered charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

The grant, which was received through the Advice Exeter Partnership, will enable Exeter CAB to provide financial education sessions to disadvantaged people in and around Exeter.

The training sessions are designed to help people manage their money and equip them with the knowledge and skills to prevent debt from accumulating and escalating. The grant will allow Exeter CAB to reach 300 people in the first year alone. 

The donation will also enable Exeter CAB to train a team of four new volunteers, people recruited from the local community including older people, unemployed people and those facing long-term ill health or disability. These individuals will benefit greatly from the volunteering placement, especially those looking to increase their employability or to gain new skills.

John Pill, Training Officer at Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau said: “The grant from the Santander Foundation means we will be able to continue the financial education project we started in October 2013 which has already helped over 420 people. The donation will ensure that Exeter CAB can deliver financial education to some of the most disadvantaged areas of our community.”

Charles Macrae, Branch Director at Santander’s Exeter High Street branch said: “The Santander Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK. Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to be supporting Exeter CAB and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”