SAFE

About SAFE
SAFE helps people to access specific financial services, such as bank accounts and savings schemes, as well as providing debt advice and financial capability training.

SAFE uses its thorough knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by individuals and households to primarily serve the community of Tower Hamlets, but is now more widely serving London and the South East. The initiative provides tailored services that are relevant and practical, with the potential to be replicated nationally.

Key facts
Since 2002 when SAFE began it has:

• Helped 1,400 people open bank accounts, enabling them to understand the options and benefits, and in turn increasing their opportunities to borrow.
• Worked with 150 clients since 2004 to support their debt issues by providing drop-in advice and debt management solutions through pro-bono solicitors (meeting the LSC Quality Mark standard).

Partnership working
SAFE actively seeks to work in partnership with a range of organisations from the private and voluntary sector – often mediating between the two. Key partners include RBS, Barclays, Tower Hamlets College and the FSA.

SAFE also supports capacity building for other organisations working in the field of financial inclusion, and is currently developing an accreditation scheme for workers in this field in partnership with London Metropolitan University, the FSA, Basic Skills Agency and NIACE.

SAFE is at the forefront of developing and delivering financial capability initiatives in terms of providing training and sharing best practice. Additionally, SAFE has developed a number of step-by-step financial literacy resources to share knowledge across the sector, such as the Personal Finance Handbook, which can be ordered using this form.

Debt Support
SAFE also provides support for those experiencing debt through a programme of debt support. The main aim is to support people experiencing debt by providing:

• Money management and budgetting skills
• Support to access grants for fuel arrears
• Signposting to other support and advice services