Elastic Money / Money Matters
Empowering local women in a deprived community to tackle debt problems.
The Local Challenge
In one of the most deprived areas in the UK, the challenge facing many people in Bootle is the high level of debt, especially among women and their children, who are often hit hardest. Bootle Library is partnering with Venus – an organisation that champions women’s rights and tackles widespread social problems – to empower women through creative initiatives that challenge systemic injustice. Following an over-subscribed money-management programme run from the library, Venus would like more women to feel able to access help before problems escalate and for stigma around debt to be reduced, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Initiative
Empowering local women to help tackle debt problems, this library collaboration is pioneering creative approaches to debt management, transforming its space into a community hub with free Wi-Fi and data. From practical money advice to creative workshops, local experts share practical ideas for saving money. Together, they are designing systems, actions and resources that provide local people living with debt the agency, information and practical skills to make small but cost-effective changes – helping them to regain confidence and optimism, one small change at a time – as well as helping families to regain control over this area of their lives.
What’s Next?
The women involved in this initiative will grow in confidence, see improvements in their mental well-being and, together, will find new ways to tackle debt and feel more in control of their lives. The power of small, collective actions will lead to tangible community changes, disrupting the cycle of debt. In the process, libraries will gain enhanced staff skills, increased support capacity and a tested, replicable collaboration model, promoting empathy, solidarity and vital debt management resources.
This is an ongoing Europe Challenge project that will be completed in autumn 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
