Sound financial advice for young people makes Surrey safer
Friday 11 March 2011
The High Sheriff Youth Awards (HSYA), the University of Surrey and Citizens Advice Waverley teamed up to offer a ‘Money Matters’ seminar to local youth leaders.
The seminar took place on 10 March 2011 in the University’s Continuing Education Centre. It was chaired by the High Sheriff of Surrey, Rob Douglas CBE, and included a summary by Lady Elizabeth Toulson CBE, who created the ‘Money Matters to Young People’ project during her year as the High Sheriff of Surrey.
The purpose of the seminar was to pass on sound financial advice to local youth leaders – youth organisations and police liaison officers – who will, in turn, pass on that information to young people in Surrey. High Sheriff of Surrey Rob Douglas explains: “The expectation is that financially savvy youth will be less likely to revert to crime in order to make ends meet.”
The seminar was an opportunity for the University’s Student Advice & Information Centre to spread the financial advice that it already offers University students. Dr Norma Denny, Head of Student Advice, says: “The University already provides excellent money advice to students at our centre on campus. It makes sense to share our expertise with youth leaders in the local community. The High Sheriff Youth Awards gives us the opportunity to do just that.”
Citizens Advice Waverley also attended the seminar to provide youth leaders with information on sources of financial help. Susan Bright, MoneyMatters volunteer at Citizens Advice Waverley, adds: “It’s important that young people have the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their finances. It’s also important that those who work with young people – for instance, teachers and youth workers – know where to direct them to acquire these skills.”
Funding for the seminar was provided by HSYA, which gives financial support to young people in Surrey who want to make their communities stronger and safer by reducing crime. Previous recipients of HSYA grants include the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the Guildford City Youth Project.
Funds and donations generated as a result of the seminar have been added to a new University Hardship Fund for Surrey students.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Luke Harrison, Communications Assistant at the University of Surrey (tel: 01483 683509 or email: l.harrison@surrey.ac.uk).
