Barclays
Barclays helps thousands of young people to cope with the credit crunch
Barclays Money Skills, the bank's community investment programme in the UK, donated over £60,000 to YouthNet to future-proof the advice offered on TheSite.org's Money section. Barclays Money Skills recognised the need for information that reflects young people's concerns following the dramatic changes in the financial landscape in 2009.
Michelle Smith, Barclays Head of Consumer and Community Affairs, says: "Our funding in the community is now focused on creating a more financially inclusive society through education and financial awareness, predominantly amongst young people, which is particularly important in today's economic climate.
"Through our partnership with YouthNet, we aim to empower more than 100,000 young individuals in building a better and more secure financial future."
By working in partnership, Barclays and YouthNet will address the most pressing issues facing young people today and prepare them for a positive future as the economic situation improves. This will involve updating TheSite.org's existing information and making sure that it realistically reflects young people's own experiences, i.e. looking at finance and related issues, such as housing, relationships and mental health. In addition, vital new information will be added to TheSite.org, creating a resource where young people can find all the advice and support they need in this difficult time.
Barclays and YouthNet will address the most pressing issues facing young people today
Importantly, all of the improvements have been developed in consultation with young people through user groups and TheSite.org's discussion boards, ensuring that young people are at the heart of, and are the driving force behind, the project.
Fiona Dawe, YouthNet's Chief Executive, says: "It's fantastic that Barclays Money Skills has recognised the pressing nature to respond to young people's financial concerns, and worries related to money, and that we can work together to arm young people with the most up-to-date facts to make informed choices."