The following weekly diary entries reflect my thoughts about the recent manage your money workshops I ran for Refugees in Glasgow in September and October. My entries aim to provide insight into the workshops and the people that attended them.
I’ve met amazing and inspirational people who not only hope to become more knowledgeable and confident with their finances but also want to better integrate into society.
The next workshops are already in full swing until December 2011. So why not sign up.
Monday 19 September – Registration Session – off to a good start
Today I held a registration session at Adelphi Centre located just over on the south side of the River Clyde. This was also an introduction to the ‘Manage Your Money’ course and an opportunity to meet with people to find out about their circumstances, difficulties and aspirations.
A pretty good turnout – 10 people attended the session from a variety of countries including Iran, Ivory Coast, Iraq, Sudan and Eritrea. There was a mixed level of English language ability.
When we started to share feelings and experiences to do with money, a number of people spoke about stress, insomnia and anxiety related to adjusting to benefits, paying bills and the uncertainties of the future.
Others were more optimistic speaking about plans for their (or their children’s) return to Further and Higher Education, becoming self-employed, and being safely reunited with family members through the family reunion process.
In this welcoming environment people seemed to feel comfortable sharing their experiences – at the end of the session we socialised over a cup of tea and a scone.
Everyone provided positive feedback at the end of the first session and are looking forward to the next workshop on Thursday.
Thursday 22 September – Budgeting
Today’s session was on Budgeting. It was a good session – a big bright room, good attendance (11 people) and lots of participation and questions.
We did a ‘taste test’ to prove that cheaper brands are sometimes just as good as expensive brands, and can save several pounds in a weekly shop. Participants said they liked hearing about new money-saving websites, like Gumtree, Freeshare and other comparison websites.
The Money Advice Service’s online ‘Cutback Calculator’ helped one participant see how much money she spent every month in her local baker’s shop on convenience foods and treats. She has since said that she is no longer going to spen money there every day.
Wednesday 28 September – Banking and Saving
Today’s session was on Banking and Saving. Most people had bank accounts here already and all had used banks in the past. (About 30% of people attending previous courses have never had a bank account in their own country).
People had very specific questions, such as the difference between ‘debit’ and ‘credit’ cards, online and savings accounts, and questions about overdrafts and bank charges. We had an informative presentation from two of the staff from Scotcash – a not-for-profit organisation offering small loans, support with opening bank accounts, and money advice. This organisation also links in with Citizens Advice Bureaux, the Money Advice Service, G-Heat, and credit unions.
We also did a number of activities looking at language associated with bank accounts, comparing different types of bank accounts, looking at bank statements and interest, among other things.
A few people had to leave early due to appointments with Job Centre Plus and ESOL classes – I’m sure it was nothing to do with the beautiful summer weather we experienced in the middle of autumn!
Wednesday 5 October – Borrowing money
Today’s session was about Borrowing Money. We covered different types of credit and the cost of credit, including such areas as credit cards, overdrafts, loans, and hire purchase. Participants enjoyed learning about the cost of borrowing.
We tried online activities and one participant said she now feels she can go online and compare options and feels more confident about what APR is.
Another learner stressed how different the system is here in Scotland compared to his home country – and he felt this course was a great way to learn about how things work.
One woman said that she enjoyed meeting other refugees from her own country and she felt a sense of support with the mix of people attending.
People do feel very comfortable on this course with one another, with me and the volunteer tutor. Everyone is familiar and supportive of the journey people are going through – and although the ‘Manage Your Money’ course is just a little slice of that journey, it can have a big impact on their lives.
Tuesday 11 October – Utility Bills
This workshop today was on Utility Bills. A visit from G-Heat, an organisation offering a free in-home personal advice service, ensured that people developed confidence in agencies like these. Hopefully it also will encourage them to call and use the support that is available to them to help reduce their spending.
Friday 14 October – Moving into work
Today was the final session of the course and we had two new participants join us. One participant had attended previous workshops before so brought along a friend to this one. In this workshop we looked at the impact of starting work on welfare benefits and also discussed rights and deductions that would be taken from pay once in employment.
An advisor from the local Law and Money Advice Centre came along for our questions and answers session on different topics – including looking at part-time working and various benefits issues.
We finished our last class with a celebratory light lunch, lots of cakes and even a few cuddles. Everyone has done so well and the positive comments and compliments to the tutors was just the icing on the cake.
Of course it’s sad when I finish working with one group, but I get a real sense of satisfaction because people have enjoyed their time at my workshop, been supported on so many levels, and of course they leave more financially capable and included than when they started.
Sign up for workshops in November and December
Interested in attending one of the upcoming workshops? Find out more and get in touch.
