The programme sees the mutual fund Citizens Advice advisers so they can hold free, confidential appointments at least one day a week across 18 branches until March next year.
The branches include Ashton-Under-Lyne, Barnsley, Bolton, Brighouse, Castleford, Dewsbury, Doncaster, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Rothwell, Sheffield, Stockport, Wakefield and York.
The 60-minute appointments are available to all, not just Yorkshire Building Society customers, and the advisers offer independent advice on a range of issues, including finances. They are also free and confidential.
The programme has so far helped 1,002 people, with three in five people needing help with benefits, tax credits and universal credit.
Adam Waterfall (pictured right), branch manager for Yorkshire Building Society in Leeds, said that the cost of living crisis, such as energy prices, fuel prices and general inflationary pressures were “bringing to a head issues that many people are facing around financial wellbeing”.
He said that was why the partnership was so important as it helped those in need in the community, adding that he hoped to reach more people.
Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “At a time when millions are struggling, it’s vital people can get the advice they need. Our advisers have seen a record number of people struggling to make ends meet in recent months, facing heart-rending choices as they try to pay bills. Our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society will help us reach more people who need support.”
Leeds MP and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured left), who visited the Leeds branch to see the initiative in action, said it was a “fantastic example of a mutual organisation and a charity working in tandem to address pressing needs in their communities”.
Appointments can be made via this link.
