HARD-UP Droitwich families are being offered a lifeline at Wands Childrens Centre in Farmers Way, Westlands.
The 6Towns Credit Union is now operating there on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm.
The credit union helps those struggling to save or just keep their heads above water by offering loans at reasonable rates and accounts to put money away for a rainy day, while for savers it offers highly attractive interest rates.
It is hoped it will keep vulnerable people out of the clutches of loan sharks.
Shannon Gawn, the friendly face running the branch, said: “Everyone – unless they’re very privileged – has had to scrape together 20 pence pieces to buy a loaf of bread at some stage of their life.”
And crucially Shannon knows how tough life can be and how thin the divide between getting by and falling behind.
“It takes a lot of courage for some people to admit they have no money and they are in debt – some people are ashamed they are on benefits – but they can talk to me, I’m not a suit, I’m a normal person.”
The credit union branch is backed by Wychavon District Council in an effort to help local people.
Figures produced by 6Towns show £100 borrowed over one month costs an extra £36.85 to repay through companies such as Wonga and just £2.01 with 6Towns.
Crucially, 6Towns does not require photo ID or even an address which makes it possible for the homeless to open an account, as long as they have a letter of support from their shelter or the charity Night Stop.
“This means they can apply for a job because they have a bank account,” said Shannon.
She can also help fill in forms and can set up bill payment schemes to give families peace of mind.
