Clitheroe debt counselling charity's online financial advice during lockdown

St James’ Church, Clitheroe, has been running the free money course, in partnership with CAP, since 2019. However, due to social distancing and lockdown restrictions, the course has now been adapted so that people can participate online, and the online version has proved very popular.

Graham Haldane, local CAP money co-ordinator, said: “We’ve all got different financial challenges, but getting money under control and preparing a budget of what’s coming in and

what’s going out is always essential. This is even more important at a time when many people have become more financially challenged by reduced hours, furlough or job loss.”

"CAP Money can give you the tools you need to control your money, whether you’re single or a family. Having the course online is a great opportunity during lockdown to do something that will be really valuable now and into the future – and no travel or babysitters are required!”

The free online course will be delivered using the Zoom video conferencing platform and led by trained CAP Money coaches from St James’ Church. The course will run on three Tuesday evenings (2nd, 9th and 23rd February) and consists of a weekly group session of about 90 mins for up to 10 people.

Sessions are designed to give a broad picture of finances and include: Building and balancing a budget; The CAP Money system; Maintenance; and Savings. Participants will receive a

course handbook and access to an online budget tool. Any participants with debt problems will also be offered additional support. All that is needed to join the course is a computer/

laptop, smart-phone, or tablet, plus a good connection to the internet and an e-mail address.

Graham added: “You don’t need to be a computer whizz to get this running. All you need to be able to do is to use e-mail and click on the link from an introductory e-mail we’ll send once

you’ve registered for the course.”

One local CAP Money course delegate said: "I can't express enough how much this course has helped. It has transformed the way I look at my finances."

To find out more about the CAP Money course and to register for the February course, contact Graham Haldane on 07860 617992 or e-mail [email protected].