Northwards Housing

The money will be used to help tenants become more financially aware and more confident in money management. It will be spent over three years, after a joint bid with City South Manchester. It’s also been backed by TV's Martin Lewis, the money saving expert!

The 'Mind Your Money' programme will give our tenants the skills and confidence they need to access affordable financial services, without being forced to resort to loan sharks or payday loans.

We’re working with more than 20 organisations – like City South, Manchester City Council and Gingerbread - to talk to each other and find out when a tenant might need support. We’re also developing a pre-paid card scheme so that tenants can keep aside money for essential bills.

Robin Lawler, chief executive of Northwards Housing, said: “We are delighted with the news that hundreds of tenants will be supported through tough financial times as a result of this bid.

"The 'Mind Your Money' programme will help people to learn how to pay rent and other household bills, without being forced to resort to loan sharks or payday loans. We've got a range of practical tools, training and techniques to help people keep on top of their money."

Big Lottery Fund (BIG) announced the multi-million pound funding today for a number of projects in the North West, which will be run in Manchester, Liverpool, Hyndburn, Tameside and Knowsley.

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: “Sadly we still don’t have compulsory financial education on the curriculum, and even then, more will be needed to help the financially excluded. This is even more important as the universal credit means many on benefits will have to take greater control of their own money management.

“The Big Lottery Fund’s Improving Financial Confidence programme is a good step towards that.”