People across Bath and North East Somerset are to benefit from a new scheme to help them save money and gain new skills to find work.
West of England Mayor, Dan Norris | Photo © WECA
Metro Mayor Dan Norris will learn how an £80,000 cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority will help residents during a visit to Bath Food Bank this Wednesday, 7th September.
The ‘Follow the Money’ programme will help over 70 people across the area.
Over the course of the free nine-week scheme, participants will take a unique ‘money health check’ to help them to create a money-saving action plan with simple, achievable steps to improve their finances.
Also on offer are skills workshops to improve job prospects, paid work placements and training with organisations including Age UK Bath.
Course leaders expect participants who take the ‘money health check’ to save around £1,000 per year.
The Metro Mayor will hear from local Mark Milsom who is taking part about why the scheme is so important.
Mr Norris said it was important to back programmes like Follow the Money at a time when so many households are grappling with rocketing bills and prices.
He said: “The cost-of-living crisis is biting harder than ever, and people are desperately worried about ever-rising bills, especially with the looming unprecedented energy price hike in October.
“I’m pleased to be able to give a helping hand to over 70 residents thanks to this £80,000 cash injection from the West of England Authority I lead.”
Clean Slate Founder and Director Jeff Mitchell, who will be showing the Metro Mayor round on the day, added: “We are delighted to receive funding from the West of England Combined Authority which will be targeted towards people who have been hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s great to see leadership that recognises the cost-of-living emergency facing people in the West of England right now.
“Many of us are worried about the bills that will land in the Autumn and our Clean Slate Support Workers are ready to guide people through a comprehensive money health check and 9 week ‘Follow the Money’ programme with the aim to make significant financial gains.”
