A fair deal for young people in Wales

Action for Children holds Assembly event to launch key report on financial inclusion of vulnerable young people and calls for institutions to play their part

Action for Children – Gweithredu dros Blant has launched its key financial inclusion report,A Fair Deal for Young People in Wales, at a special event at the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 13^th July.  Bethan Jenkins AM and young people who use Action for Children services across Wales addressed the audience on the financial difficulties they’ve faced as the Welsh Government prepares to deliver its financial inclusion strategy.  Carl Sargeant, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children in Welsh Government also attended.

The report calls on the Welsh Government to ensure that vulnerable young people are given the financial skills they need to live independently and successfully.  Central to the report’s findings is the importance of young people being involved at an early stage so that the solution is most effective at meeting their needs.

Brigitte Gater, Director of children’s services in Wales, said: ‘‘The children and young people we support are firmly at the centre of our report.  The interviews and group work conducted for the report, and those young people who spoke at our event at the Assembly, will provide a critical insight into the challenging world they face as they cross that difficult bridge into adulthood. It is up to all of us to listen, learn and develop policies to help prevent routine financial issues turning into full blown crises.”

A Fair Deal for Young People in Wales also urges the Welsh Government to carefully consider that not all vulnerable young people attend school regularly and consistently due to a variety of circumstances, but need financial skills earlier than their peers.  Researchers spoke to twenty five young people while compiling the report and they told the charity that they want financial information from people they can trust at key moments such as applying for a tenancy or receiving benefits advice.

Those interviewed pointed to the important role played by staff working in the community, such as Action for Children’s Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Youth Support Team. It builds trusting relationships with disadvantaged young people and helps them with a variety issues such as finding employment, helping with tenancy agreements and a range of life skills.

Diana Isajeva (22) was referred to the RCT youth support service and was one of the speakers at the report launch.  She said:  “My life was a huge struggle. I was 18 and living in a women’s refuge.  I was studying for my A levels at the time and aiming for university, but everything around me was pilling up. I had no clue about how to pay bills and was even paying for a TV licence when I didn’t own one.  I felt all alone and had no family to help.  The refuge referred me to the RCT youth support service as I was a young person in need of desperate help and my support worker Diane has been the best support I have ever had.

“I moved into new housing and she helped me sort out my finances and manage my money properly.  All the money was put back in my account from the TV licence and she got my utilities bills reduced and a water meter fitted. That helped me so much financially.   She was so passionate about her job and I could see that she really wanted to help me. I trust her so much.

“My life completely changed after receiving help for a year from Action for Children. I was struggling so much and Diane helped me through my darkest days and continues to do so to this day. I am forever indebted to Action for Children. I would not be here now if it wasn’t for all the support from them. I am so grateful and thankful to them.”

Brigitte Gater added: “We are living in uncertain political and economic times. It is now more important than ever that we give the most vulnerable young people the financial skills they need as they enter such a challenging time in their development. The Welsh Government has committed to changing the lives of young people with its financial inclusion strategy, but it is critical that they encourage those with financial expertise to fully engage with this group to develop solutions and provide the right support.”