Accord and Caldmore back website to takle debt in Walsall
A new website has been launched in Walsall to help people in the borough tackle debt and other money issues.
The Wincred (Walsall in Credit) website was officially launched by Mayor of Walsall Councillor John O’Hare and brings several agencies together to offer advice from a central point.
Caldmore Area Housing Association, Accord Housing Association, Walsall Housing Group (whg), Watmos Community Homes, Walsall Council and Walsall Voluntary Action are among the partners sponsoring the financial inclusion website at www.wincred.org
It includes links to various sources of advice and guidance on money-related topics to help people maximise their household income and gives tips on saving money.
Rob Hughes, whg’s Head of Housing Services and Chair of Wincred, said: “There is no doubt that, in the current climate, many people are finding themselves in need of help and guidance on budgeting, claiming benefits and advice on how to manage their money.”
He added: “Before the credit crunch there was already a debt problem in Walsall and the problem is now more serious than it has ever been. It is my belief that support agencies, only by working together, will be able to help Walsall residents through these difficult times.”
An official launch event took place for the website on Tuesday (10 November 2009) and saw representatives from the various partner agencies gather at The Crossing at St Paul’s in Darwall Street, Walsall, to see the site go live.
In officially launching the site, Walsall’s Mayor Councillor O’Hare said: “We have particular problems here in Walsall so it is a pleasure for me to see so many agencies join together to help those who, not necessarily through their own fault, are suffering from debt problems.”
The website will act as a single point of reference for residents and it is hoped it will particularly help vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young families and long-term sick, disabled or unemployed.
Speaking at the launch, Diane Fox, of the Department for Works and Pensions, said: “It is the start of a long journey but, hopefully, it will make things better for the residents of Walsall.”
Ray White, Case Manager for the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) added: “Most people have got three, four or five credit cards in their pocket and are using them. There is no getting away from the fact that we are a consumer society willing to buy now, pay later.”
He commented: “The development of the Wincred website has given us all the opportunity to reach out to the local community and provides not only access to local information, but national information too. It has brought us together under one umbrella.”
At the launch, talks were given about debt in Walsall and its links with fuel poverty, home contents insurance, loan sharks and the Government’s Mortgage Rescue scheme. Workshops then took place so people could navigate around the website and give their feedback.
