Citizens Advice and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) join forces to support Northern Ireland Youth Workers. In partnership they have launched a free financial training initiative to equip youth workers with the skills to help vulnerable young people manage money.
The FSA Baseline Survey of Financial Capability in 2007 revealed Northern Ireland consumers are behind the rest of the UK when it comes to financial knowledge and skills. Given the implications of the current credit crunch and the growing debt problem that is emerging across Northern Ireland, it is important that young people are equipped with the key life skills required to effectively manage money.
Speaking at the launch of the new initiative, Linda Jack from FSA highlighted that:
Young People and Money is part of the Financial Services Authority’s £90m Financial Capability Strategy. Under this initiative Citizens Advice and other UK delivery partners will train 20,000 youth intermediaries by 2010. Managing money is a key life skill and particularly important for NEET [not in employment, education or training] young people. Through this programme we will support face to face workers to make a difference to the lives of the young people they work with”
Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, Derek Alcorn stressed:
Skilling up young people not engaged in education employment or training in financial matters is of key importance. They are much more likely to be managing money at a young age and are at high risk of financial exclusion and debt related poverty. By equipping youth workers with training, support and practical resources we can help to improve the lives of thousands of socially excluded young people across Northern Ireland and help them take control of their finances.”
At the launch event, Grand Opera House, Belfast - Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive Citizens Advice, Pamela Kinghorn, Assistant Manager, Opportunity Youth, Kelly Collins, Young People & Money Project Manager, Citizens Advice, Linda Jack, Youth Policy Officer Financial Services Authority, Ken Coello, Programme Director, Lifeline, Nuala McKeever, Chair for event.
The training is specifically aimed at youth intermediaries who work with young people who are not in education, training or employment (NEET). This free one day course will be delivered at a local level throughout Northern Ireland over the next three years.
Bookings are currently being taken and further information can be obtained from the Young People and Money website www.youngpeopleandmoney.co.uk or by contacting the Young People and Money Team at Citizens Advice: 
Tel: 02890 231120 
email: ypam@citizensadvice.co.uk
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