I recently completed 2012’s first ‘Manage Your Money’ workshops for refugees in Glasgow – and share the experiences in these diary entries.
It’s encouraging to see so many people attend who are keen to learn about managing their money, take control of their lives and share experiences.
As one participant shared at the end of the course, “My eyes are open now” – a great piece of feedback to receive at the end of the course.
The next workshops run throughout February and March. So why not sign up.
Thursday 19 January – Choosing a bank account
Today nine people attended my workshop on bank accounts. I was surprised to learn that three of the participants actually paid a fee just to have their accounts. These types of accounts usually give ‘benefits’ like breakdown cover, travel and mobile phone insurance. The three participants do not travel overseas at the moment and do not have a car, so they will now question whether this is the right account for them.
We talked a lot about which bank is the best for refugees, but everyone had a different experience. One thing is certain, it can be difficult to open a bank account if you don’t have standard documentation to prove your identification, and sometimes it comes down to a lot of luck on the day.
Today’s workshop gave people the knowledge and confidence to ask questions to get the right type of account for their needs.
Monday 23 January – Borrowing Money
Today’s workshop was about borrowing money and nine people attended.
Interestingly, three out of the nine people had already taken out a Crisis Loan. Quite remarkable considering that most people do not borrow money back in their countries of origin but often when granted asylum in the UK (Leave to Remain) they find themselves applying for a Crisis Loan or Integration Loan to live.
Worryingly – people are not always fully aware of how loans or credit cards work and the rates of interest associated with them. One person told us about her husband who had used Provident – a company offering high-interest loans; his weekly repayments were taken in person by someone who came to their house every Friday. She wasn’t aware of how much they had to pay back but was shocked when we looked at the interest rates that this company charge.
Another participant talked about the credit card she used to pay for a television – she was only making minimum payments and didn’t know anything about the amount of interest she was being charged. By the end of the session she agreed that she should check her credit card statements for details.
Terminology and knowing the difference between a Tesco Club-card and a Tesco Credit Card can be confusing
In this workshop people learned about the good deals they can take advantage of like interest-free overdrafts or credit card deals.
Sometimes the workshops are an opportunity to link people up with other groups. One woman, after separating from her husband, is beginning to take more control of her own life. I introduced her to the International Women’s Group that holds regular English, exercise and craft workshops, as well as cultural and celebratory gatherings for women and their children.
Thursday 26 January – Utility Bills
Today’s workshop was about utility bills and eight participants attended.
We discussed reading meters, paying for fuel – using prepayment meters or paying bills, and looked at how much electricity actually costs (tariffs).
The high cost of heating homes was a concern shared by most people. People fear large bills so don’t use a lot of electricity to try to keep costs down – but this means they have cold homes.
One woman spoke about arrears (debt) she found herself in after moving out of a temporary flat. This is often a time where confusion arises and people can fall into debt. Someone also spoke about using a prepayment meter because it was easier for her to keep track of what she was using. This can be a more expensive option, so we also talked about the advantages and disadvantages and how to keep costs low.
I think overall there’s a general lack of information and understanding about how utilities work. Reassuringly, three of the participants made appointments with G-Heat to get advice about their particular situation. I’m sure this will benefit them and remove some of the confusion.
Monday 30 January – Benefits and moving into work
Today was the final session and we focussed on welfare benefits and the transition to work.
We discussed the type of welfare benefits and the general criteria for each. Out of the ten people attending the workshop – from Pakistan, Lebanon, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Nigeria – none had ever received welfare benefits from their own country.
Suddenly after being granted asylum in the UK (Leave to Remain) they enter a new world of forms, rules, and benefits by organisations such as HMRC, GCC and DWP.
During this workshop an advisor from Maryhill Citizen’s Advice Bureau answered specific questions- ranging from the number of hours you can work while on Job Seekers Allowance, the backdating of claims, the difference between Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, and other general questions about Council Tax and Housing Benefit. A few people said they would make an appointment with the advisor to get further advice on their own situations.
I thought this workshop was especially relevant to people who had recently gained Leave to Remain within the last few months. New refugees are living with the struggle of learning to apply for and live on benefits whilst managing their bills, living independently often for the first time, and adjusting to all aspects of life in a new country.
Numerous participants thanked me and volunteer tutor Sandy Cherry for our commitment and hard work. As always, I feel a sense of achievement – we have worked to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere for learning that has helped each individual in their own particular way.
