We are asking people to ‘do one thing’ to improve their financial wellbeing as part of the Money and Pensions Service’s Talk Money Week.
Held from 4-8 November, Talk Money Week aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging conversations among everyone, from families and friends to colleagues and communities.
As part of this year’s theme, we are asking everyone to get involved and ‘do one thing’. This could be something major, like creating an in-depth budget or looking closely at a pension, or something minor like talking to a child about pocket money or exploring the MoneyHelper website.
Whichever option people choose, we are asking you to talk to others about what they did and why, in the hope of inspiring them to join in too.
As part of the week, we will be running drop in sessions across the city to share information, advice and guidance on everything from maximising income and minimising debt to reducing fuel poverty.
Gentoo drop-in sessions - no appointment needed
- Monday 4 November – Hetton Downs Community Centre, 2pm – 4pm
- Tuesday 5 November – Space4, Houghton Library, 10am – 1pm
- Thursday 7 November – Gentoo Office, City Hall, 10am – 12:30pm
- Thursday 7 November – Austin House, Southwick, 1pm – 4pm
- Friday 8 November – Mickey’s Place, St Michael's Church, Sulgrave – 10am – 12:30pm
- Saturday 9 November – What We Can Do, St George’s Church, Fatfield – 10am – 4pm
In 2023, Talk Money Week was supported by organisations including major banks, various government departments, NHS Trusts across the UK, and charities including Citizens Advice and Money and Mental Health.
Taking control of money, talking openly about it and sharing the burden that worries can cause often has a huge impact on our health and relationships. It also helps someone to make better, more informed decisions.
Zara Kelly, Financial Inclusion Manager at Gentoo Group, said:
“As a values-driven social housing landlord, caring about those who live in our properties will always be a key priority.
“Gentoo can help in many ways if our customers are having financial issues, and we want to remind them that we are always available to offer guidance and support.
“You are not alone, pop along to one of our drop in sessions and join the conversation.”
Talk Money Week is also an annual opportunity to celebrate the work organisations like Gentoo are doing to support the long-term UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, launched by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) in 2020. It includes ambitious ten-year goals to help everyone make the most of their money and pensions.
Oliver Morley, Chief Executive at the Money and Pensions Service, says:
“Talking about money with friends, family and children – or experts if necessary – can help you feel more confident and give you greater financial resilience. That’s why, as part of our annual Talk Money Week campaign, we’re calling for you to ‘do one thing’ to help improve your financial wellbeing, to tell others about it and ask them to do the same.
“We know starting conversations about money can be difficult and so we have all the ideas and information you’ll need on our website, along with the tools to get you started.
“Whether it’s something small, like starting a conversation, or something bigger, like making an informed long-term decision, this is the chance for everyone to get involved and start talking about money, together.”
If you can’t make one of Gentoo’s sessions, you can find information, support and advice to help you with the cost of living.
For more information on Talk Money Week visit www.maps.org.uk/talk-money-week
