Salford-based charity, Foundation 92, founded by Manchester United’s Class of 92, partners with Tandem Bank to deliver financial inclusion across Greater Manchester.
The new programme, developed using Tandem Bank’s expertise, will support young people transitioning through educational settings, and vulnerable families facing poverty. The initiative will seek to empower vulnerable communities to take a leading and proactive role in both understanding and managing their finances, through both bespoke and community-wide educational awareness.
Having launched its own Financial Education programme in January 2023, Tandem, the UK’s greener digital bank, has reached over 2,500 young learners based in twelve further education settings throughout the North West, and was the perfect choice to partner with Foundation 92 to plug the gap for financial literacy.
Research from the LIBF1[1] shows that 83% of students (aged 15-18) want to learn more about money and finance in school. With continued cost of living pressures, the need for support and education is ever more pressing. Tandem’s existing programme is focused on building an understanding of financial products and common pitfalls, providing practical financial education, at no cost – elements which it will bring across into this new venture.
Through the Foundation 92-delivered programme, both organisations will create a far reaching, impactful, and life changing partnership, that achieves important life lessons and outcomes for the people across Greater Manchester – in communities facing hardship, disadvantage, and inequality, often through no fault of their own. The initiative will target Primary and Secondary school pupils, whilst also supporting families in the community that face poverty and disadvantage.
Across a rolling six week period, a series of workshops within local hubs such as schools and other centres, topics will be delivered and will include topics on budgeting, accounting, saving, credit scores, and understanding debt.
Head of Foundation 92, Tom Hutton, said: “Financial literacy and education is crucial if our young people are to understand the financial responsibilities they will face in adult life. Never has this been truer than during the current cost of living crisis.
“The Prime Minister outlined last year that one of this Government’s priorities is to improve financial and mathematical literacy.
“I’m delighted that Tandem – a great North West employer – is supporting the community and empowering so many young people across the Greater Manchester area.”
Alex Mollart, Chief Executive Officer at Tandem Bank, said: “Tandem is focussed on helping consumers transition to a lower carbon lifestyle. But that fight against climate change is nothing is people are left behind and are unable to join it.
“Sustainability stands for so much more than just carbon emissions and creating a lasting impact across society is at the core of it. Financial skills and literacy are at the heart of the modern economy and our daily lives and yet so many lack basic skills or understanding – I’m proud Tandem can bring our expertise to help plug the gap.
“Everyone couldn’t be more excited to partner with Foundation 92 to help deliver this programme which we know will have a lasting impact for so many across Manchester.”
Foundation 92 Co-founder, Ryan Giggs, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Tandem Bank on this fantastic programme, utilising the vehicle football to engage young people in an important and impactful topic that effects everyone in their lives. We’re looking forward to supporting many young people across the community through this initiative.”