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Carlisle & District Credit Union is increasing in popularity and has recently moved into a city centre office at Lowther Street, Carlisle. Mandy Johnston, Development Officer, explained how they work:

鈥淲e鈥檙e a community bank, which promotes local savings for local people. We are a non-profit cooperative which exists solely to benefit its members. You can save and withdraw with us or save and borrow, the choice is up to you.鈥�

Mandy Johnston

The big difference with the Credit Union is that you have to have saved money with them for at least 8 weeks, before you can borrow anything and even then you can only borrow double of what you have saved. The emphasis is on sensible banking.

The Union also provides information for people living on low incomes, helping to explain how they can obtain bank accounts and low cost loans as well as advice on how to manage their money better.

People without access to affordable credit often have to borrow from very high cost lenders but the Credit Union鈥檚 interest rates are extremely low in comparison and the maximum amount you can borrow is 拢5,000.

Mandy is extremely passionate about helping local people, including her aim to provide support for local businesses who may be struggling at the moment. She hopes they too will be encouraged to bank with the Carlisle and District Credit Union saying:

The Credit Union is run entirely by volunteers with the exception of Mandy who is employed by Carlisle Housing Association. Mandy says CHA have been 鈥渇antastic鈥� in helping her set up the Credit Union, after they saw the success of unions in cities like Liverpool and Leeds.

In Carlisle, the Credit Union has around 1,000 members but Mandy鈥檚 attentions are now turning to the children of the city. By giving free piggy banks to youngsters, she hopes to promote the importance of saving:

鈥淚t is vital to get the kids involved. I think if you can instill the importance of saving in them, even if it鈥檚 just a couple of pounds here and there, it will make a massive difference. Looking after your money is so important and the younger you start, the better.鈥�

Carlisle and District Credit Union

Carlisle and District Credit Union also hold a number of collection days around the city and on Tuesday afternoons are based at Carlisle Housing Association (English Gate Plaza) 1-3.

The Union can also be found at Harraby Community centre 1-2 and in Brampton 10 -2 on Wednesdays.

Other drop in centres include:

• The Living Well Trust, Carlisle Housing Association鈥檚 Botcherby office and St. Margaret Mary鈥檚 School in Upperby.
• Tuesday afternoon at Carlisle Housing Association offices (English Gate Plaza)

The Carlisle and District Credit Union city centre office is open Monday 10-2, Wednesday 10-12, Friday 10-3 and Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only.

For further information telephone 01228 549007.