Westminster Befriend a Family

It’s the beginning of the year and no doubt you are apprehensive about how 2012 will play out. Some things like Europe’s economy are beyond our control but we can still make an impact – however small – on our own finances.

It’s always a good idea to shop around for good bank rates or new tariffs. Often banks and building societies have enticing deals for new customers but seldom pass on good deals to loyal customers.

Here are some useful links to get you started:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/

http://www.moneywise.co.uk/cut-your-costs

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/hsbc-bank-account-pays-6–on-your-cash.html

Energy price cuts so far…

British Gas has cut electricity charges by 5% with immediate effect but not gas. This translates to an average saving of £24 for the year.

EDF will cut its gas tariff by 5% on 7^th February.

NPower will cut its gas prices, but not electricity, by 5% from 1^st February.

SSE will cut its gas prices by 4.5% from March 26^th.

Early Intervention
Just like a faulty compass on a ship, the later you leave it when checking your course the further away from your destination you will end up. Even if the compass deviates by only 1 degree if you don’t correct your course early on it can take you miles away from your intended destination.

A lot of problems that we see in society were initially caused by simple problems that didn’t get dealt with early on and escalated into crisis costing individuals, families, tax payers and the country more than just money. Regarding the London riots:

All the evidence suggests rioters were generally poorer than the country at large, and educated to a lower level. The government data found that compared to the UK school population as a whole, young riot defendants were far more likely to have had special educational needs, to have been absent or excluded from school, and to be falling below national averages in respect of achievement. The educational background of the 270 rioters in the Guardian/LSE study offers additional insights.

(James Ball, Matthew Taylor and Tim Newburn. The Guardian, Monday 5 December 2011)

We have heard the phrase “Broken Britain.” But I would argue that we are not broken but torn: torn between the haves and have nots. It’s a tear that successive governments have failed to see or sew with their un-joined-up thinking and policies.

At Westminster Befriend a Family we believe in early intervention, having proved time and time again that it works in the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Every day we fight for the rights and wellbeing of families whose lives are torn by circumstances often beyond their control. We work closely with vulnerable families helping them to mend torn relationships, and close up the gaps of disadvantage and poverty.

For those who are in desperate need and unable to help themselves – Every Second Counts…

Please support us by making a text donation.

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Thank you

Nat Cato
Communications Team

 

For more information: www.befriendafamily.co.uk/every-second-counts/

Every Second Counts is a campaign run by Westminster Befriend a Family (WBAF) to raise funds to provide practical help and support to disadvantaged families in Westminster who are unable to cope with the debilitating problems they are going through.