As part of long-term investment in Merton’s Phipps Bridge housing estate, the council will hold a money advice day there, on Saturday 3 July between 11am and 4pm.
Taking place in the South Mitcham Community Centre, the event will offer advice on a wide range of money related topics, from debt management, to savings and how people can maximize their income by investing, to help with job searching and setting up their own business. The event is open to all residents, whether or not they live on the estate.
Representatives from several organizations, including the high street banks, Job Centre Plus, Princes Youth Business Trust and Merton Adult Education will be on hand to give practical advice on the following topics:
· Applying for a loan
· Opening a Bank Account
· Setting up a Business
· Getting a job
· Opportunities for Young People
· Increasing your Benefits
· Working Families Tax Credits
· Improving your skills
· Finding a new career
For those with children there will be face painting and a bouncy castle to keep them entertained while parents talk to the advisors. And if they still feel stressed out at the end of it, then the special relaxation area offering free head massages and reflexology should soothe away the last of their worries.
The day has been organised and funded by Merton Business Investment Fund, the “Thriving Merton” project (funded by the London Development Agency), Merton Horizons and London & Quadrant Housing Association. It is part of Merton’s Neighbourhood Strategy, which aims to ensure no part of the borough is left behind and that all residents share the benefits of increased opportunities. The next stage will see the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for the Phipps Bridge Estate where local people can have a say in making improvements to their community.
Russell Makin, Merton’s Cabinet member for Planning and Regeneration, has been involved in developing the strategy for the area. He says:
“We want to encourage enterprise amongst our residents, and for those that are thinking of setting up their own business, the free advice that will be available should prove invaluable.
“Talking about money can be incredibly stressful for some people, but the event will be fun, informal, and the representatives will be brimming with helpful advice.”
For more information on the event, call the organisers on 0208 545 3380.
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