Managing Money Matters
A TEAM of dedicated financial inclusion advisers is aiming to help residents of a Tees Valley-based housing and regeneration organisation.
Tandem is a free, confidential support service which will provide general advice relating to all aspects of money management, debt, income maximisation and financial literacy to all Tees Valley Housing residents.
Tandem, originally an Erimus Housing scheme working in partnership with the Five Lamps Organisation, has proved so successful with Erimus residents that Tees Valley Housing, Erimus Housing's partner in Fabrick Housing Group, will now also provide Tandem's vital services to its residents.
Following a Tandem appointment, one Erimus resident said: "I'm now paying bills back at a lower rate, as what I was expected to pay was unrealistic with my income, so now I feel a lot more upbeat and less worried about losing my home."
Tandem advisers offer advice, information and support to help Tees Valley Housing and Erimus Housing residents to:
- Maximise income by claiming full benefit entitlement
- Deal with debts
- Compare loan costs and access affordable loans
- Budget, save and find ways to make money go further
- Choose a bank account or other financial services, for example home contents insurance
- Access specialist benefits or debt advice services
Any Tees Valley Housing resident from its area of operation, from North Tyneside in the north to York in the south, can benefit from Tandem.
Since the scheme was launched at Erimus Housing, advisers have helped over 1,200 residents. Without access to advice, information and a range of basic financial services, tenants with the least often pay the most for everyday goods and services.
In 2008/09, Tandem advisers helped Erimus residents save almost £36,000 by accessing cheaper fuel tariffs and other discounts and deals.
Doug Ross, Managing Director of Tees Valley Housing, said: "When we joined in partnership with Erimus Housing in April 2008, Tandem was successfully operating and had already had a major impact on the lives of hundreds of Erimus Housing residents.
"Now we want Tees Valley Housing residents to benefit from this scheme, which can make a massive difference to their finances and therefore to their quality of life."
Tandem, originally an Erimus Housing scheme working in partnership with the Five Lamps Organisation, has proved so successful with Erimus residents that Tees Valley Housing, Erimus Housing's partner in Fabrick Housing Group, will now also provide Tandem's vital services to its residents.
Following a Tandem appointment, one Erimus resident said: "I'm now paying bills back at a lower rate, as what I was expected to pay was unrealistic with my income, so now I feel a lot more upbeat and less worried about losing my home."
Tandem advisers offer advice, information and support to help Tees Valley Housing and Erimus Housing residents to:
- Maximise income by claiming full benefit entitlement
- Deal with debts
- Compare loan costs and access affordable loans
- Budget, save and find ways to make money go further
- Choose a bank account or other financial services, for example home contents insurance
- Access specialist benefits or debt advice services
Any Tees Valley Housing resident from its area of operation, from North Tyneside in the north to York in the south, can benefit from Tandem.
Since the scheme was launched at Erimus Housing, advisers have helped over 1,200 residents. Without access to advice, information and a range of basic financial services, tenants with the least often pay the most for everyday goods and services.
In 2008/09, Tandem advisers helped Erimus residents save almost £36,000 by accessing cheaper fuel tariffs and other discounts and deals.
Doug Ross, Managing Director of Tees Valley Housing, said: "When we joined in partnership with Erimus Housing in April 2008, Tandem was successfully operating and had already had a major impact on the lives of hundreds of Erimus Housing residents.
"Now we want Tees Valley Housing residents to benefit from this scheme, which can make a massive difference to their finances and therefore to their quality of life."
