MANCHESTER, U.K.–During its first-ever Credit Union Awareness Week, Manchester Credit Union launched a campaign to help residents here break the cycle of debt and turn away from payday lenders.
The goal was to show consumers “there is another ethical way to borrow and save.
As part of the campaign the MCU hit the streets of the city’s boroughs including Altrincham and Chorlton to hand out information on what support can be given, along with a free pot of honey for all the “worker bees.”
Manchester Credit Union reported it helped save its members £3 million in the last 12 months and assisted hundreds of people out of debt – but also said there are hundreds more consumers who could use help in taking control of their finances.
“Single mums, working families and young men and women are using expensive credit cards or payday loans when in a financial crisis, whether that be when a washing machine breaks down or unforeseen car repairs crop up,” said CEO Christine Moore. “I would urge all these people to get in touch with us, so they no longer feel trapped and can break free from a cycle of debt that far too many of us are familiar with. Our members are at the heart of everything that we do, so we offer an ethical way to take out a loan while saving for your future.”
The campaign has been backed by actress and socialist Maxine Peake along with leading organizations like Wythenshawe Hospital and Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East Mike Kane.