Finance guides launched for people with learning disabilities

Wednesday, 03 December 2008 01:01

A range of guides has been launched to help people with learning disabilities open their own bank accounts.

Charity United Response has developed the Making Money Easier illustrated guides to help those who find financial information complex, helping people to budget properly, manage bills and avoid debt.

The launch of the guides was hosted by Alan Johnson, secretary of state for health, who said: "Thirty years ago, disabled people were too often told to go away and passively accept welfare, but now they have more choice over their lives and over the support they get.

"Unfortunately, people unable to get bank accounts are cut off from a huge range of associated benefits, including simplified budgeting and, in many cases, employment.

"I hope these guides can help people gain control over their lives by gaining control over their finances."

United Response's president, veteran broadcaster and journalist Martyn Lewis, added: "The powerful thing about these guides is that they won't just be helpful for people with learning disabilities.

"They'll be useful for the elderly, for young people learning about money for the first time and for the many people who don't speak English as a first language. In fact, they'll be useful for every single person who uses financial services, which in the current economic climate is more important than ever."

United Response developed the guides in partnership with learning disability umbrella body ARC (Association for Real Change), while HSBC, the Friends Provident Foundation and the DWP-led Now Let's Talk Money Campaign provided funding and consultation.

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