Citizens Advice East Berkshire (CAEB) has been awarded £3,000 of funding from Abri for their ‘Financial Capabilities & Income Maximisation Training project’ in Bracknell. The project aims to provide free, impartial advice that can improve individuals’ and families’ financial capabilities and maximise income for those who may be otherwise struggling to manage financial pressures themselves.
The training project will be delivered at the Columbia Centre, which is CAEB’s Bracknell base on the second Wednesday of each month beginning on 10 April. Participants attending can expect help on numerous financial matters, including:
- Money management skills;
- Financial decision making and goal-setting;
- Welfare benefit advice and entitlement calculations; and
- Cost-of-living assistance and sign-posting to additional services where relevant.
Neil Parker, Business Development Manager at CAEB, said: “Research carried out by Citizens Advice in June 2023 shows that more and more of our clients have less money coming in than going out. They’re living on empty. So we seek to deliver this project as a direct response to the cost-of-living crisis and the funding from Abri will help us to reach as many people in need as possible.”
To find out more about the ‘Financial Capabilities & Income Maximisation Training project’ by CAEB and when and where the next clinics are set to be held, email comms@caeb.org.uk or visit www.caeb.org.uk. The training is for Abri clients and CAEB clients in Bracknell.
The community fund is part of Abri’s commitment to empowering lives and creating thriving communities, making them better places to live. Abri has awarded £90,000 from its community fund to support local organisations and projects between April 2023-March 2024.
Dasos Christou, Abri’s Regional Managing Director for the south east said: “I’m really pleased to see a local Bracknell organisation benefitting from Abri’s Community Fund. We’re passionate about creating communities that thrive and Abri’s new regional approach means that we can meet the specific needs of the diverse communities that we serve. Our fund allows us to do exactly that, by supporting local organisations that are embedded in their communities and have a unique understanding of the challenges local customers face.”
Applications are decided on a resident panel made up of customers and those living in its communities. Shanie Clarke, an Abri customer and panel member, said: “I’m really excited that we have the opportunity to support this project as it continues to grow and have such a positive impact on our communities in the south east of England. The project really responds to a local need.”
Abri’s community fund opens for applications four times a year, and organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support a project in one of Abri’s communities. The next application window is open now and applications can be made up to and including 21 April 2024.
Projects with a cost-of-living focus will be prioritised. Application forms, and future window dates are available on Abri’s website at: https://www.abri.co.uk/services/enterprise-investment/community-funding.