[Ssf] Very last minute! Tonight - launch of FEX

[Dan]

Hi folks...

Sorry this is so last minute - can anyone make it tonight? It'd be great 
to show support for this - what great work by IMPACT! (IMO...!)

7.15, at the Methodist Chapel (which 've forgotten the name of), 
opposite the Crucible theatre.

Me n SJ will be going down there at 6.30 to help out, if anyone else 
wants to join us!

Here's the details, with some bloody terrifying statistics...


Today will see the launch of a Financial Inclusion Strategy for Sheffield.

*8 million people in the UK do not have access to mainstream financial 
services. They are therefore reliant on predatory lenders.

    * One major doorstep lenders make 4 million pound in profit per year
      on loans totalling 8 million from lending to the poor in Sheffield.
    * Interest rates vary from 483% to 2000%
    * Relate report that more marriages fail due to financial
      difficulties than infidelity
    * An elderly couple (one of many examples) took a consolidation loan
      for £15k and after 3 years had in excess of £30k and still owed
      over £15k
    * Over the last 5 years CABx report that they have seen a million
      new customers per year 25% of which are seeking medical for
      treatment depression and stress.


HM Treasury have recognised the devastating effect debt makes to family 
life and to child poverty. In the July Spending Review they have 
announced the creation of a Financial Inclusion Task Force and a 
Financial Inclusion Fund.

Tonight we are launching a partnership between Financial Inclusion 
Services Ltd, Moneyline Yorkshire and Sheffield Credit Union all not for 
profit community organisation, with volunteer boards working together to 
tackle the problem of Financial Inclusion in Sheffield and provide a 
service to those excluded from mainstream financial services in the City.

 From Monday 4th of October they operate from Unit 6 the Gallery Castle 
Market Building, Sheffield open from 10 – 4 daily, offering financial 
advice, affordable loans and savings.

Representatives from over 50 statutory and voluntary organisations and 
businesses will celebrate this significant milestone in the City.

For more details please contact Mandy Aitken 07966054959 or Eric 
Thompson 07749094689