Young people will be helping to create awareness of finance and money management. 

According to a study 42% of 14 to 25 year old's cannot interpret the difference between being in credit and overdrawn on a bank statement. And fifty per cent of young people say they do not discuss money with anyone. 

Now, 15 young people from UCO -Uniting Communities Youth clubs from Accrington Road and Little Harwood in Blackburn have united to help tackles this in their community as part of UK Youth’s Money for Life Community Challenge initiative. 

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Over the last three months, they have been supported by UK Youth, a leading national charity, and their local youth group UCO to run to community challenge events to raise awareness of money management and budgeting especially over the Christmas period. 

Money for Life equips 16-25 year olds across the UK with the knowledge, life skills and provision needed to manage their money. 

The three-year programme is delivered by UK Youth and is funded by Lloyds Banking Group. 

As part of Money for Life, young people from UCO are taking part in a full day Money Masterclasses designed to help them make the most of their money.

The training is delivered by ‘Money Champion’ other young people selected by their youth groups to engage their peers in topics ranging from taxes to budgeting and independent living. 

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As a follow up to the money for life Our young people have now completed their training they had exclusive access to a £400 grant to develop and run projects in Blackburn. 

Two events have taken place where attendees discussed issues concernin money management and budgeting. These were supported by Councillors Saima Afzal and Jackie Floyd.

Sikander Ali Director at UCO said: “Although some of the statistics regarding young people and their financial knowledge are worrying, It’s great to see our young people come together to help inspire other young people in the local area to take control of their future finances. 

"Through UK Youth’s Money for Life initiative, our young people are learning the vital skills to enable them to be a positive force for change. We hope that they will continue on their social action journey to help solve even more issues in their local community, while inspiring other young people to follow in their footsteps.” 

Dominos Great Harwood kindly provided free pizzas to all who attended the Little Harwood Event.

Anna Smee, CEO of UK Youth, said: “It’s fantastic to see the young people of Blackburn with Darwen creating social action to help practice their newfound money management skills and give back to their community. 

"Our Money for Life programme enables thousands of young people to take control of their finances while providing them with the advice, support and training required to be financially capable and engage responsibly with employment, volunteering or education. 

"We hope that UCO’s participation will inspire many more young people to take control of their personal finances and give back to their local community.”