1. Carmen Appich

2. What is East Sussex Credit Union? A community savings and loans co-operative. Owned by its members. Has ethical objectives. Regulated by the FSA. Protected by Financial Services Compensation Scheme

3. East Sussex Credit Union Established 2000 3800 members saving 750 borrowing and saving 10 part time staff across the county More than 40 volunteers

4. Who are our Members? Anyone who lives or works within –The City of Brighton and Hove –The County of East Sussex People who wish to save and help the community Savers who need to borrow

5. What Does It Do (1)? Provides savings and loan products for all parts of the community. Offers an alternative to ‘home and internet lenders’ (Provident, Wonga) and ‘loan sharks’. Among the most competitive interest rates for this type of loan (under £5,000) in the UK.

6. What Does It Do (2)? Provides volunteering opportunities – allowing volunteers to gain valuable work experience to help with job search and personal development.

7. Savings Have to become a member Can save regularly or irregularly Can save via Payroll, Standing Order, Cheque or Cash (Queens Road office only) Maximum of £10,000 per member Pays an annual dividend Young savers get interest on accounts Can have more than one savings account

8. Prepaid Cards (Boston Marks VISA Card) The new, smart way to withdraw your savings Can withdraw regularly or irregularly £10 one off fee – no card load fees or charges for cashback or shop purchases Part of the VISA scheme Use for internet purchases like any other VISA debit card Only available through the credit union

9. Loans Loans policy linked to credit and savings history Not given if income is less than £125 per week Competitive interest rates for this market (£5,000 and under) Includes a savings element Repay via Pay Point, Standing Order, Cheque, Cash (at Queens Rd. Office only)

10. Loan Sharks Illegal money lenders - no paperwork They act as your friend They charge huge interest rates They turn nasty if you don’t pay Report them! Call 0300555222

11. Doorstep and Internet Lenders Office of Fair Trading registered Often charge huge interest rates – Provident APR is 272% (£500 over 52 weeks), Wonga.com more than 4200% APR No savings element

12. Working in Partnership with the Community Local Government – City, District and County Councils Housing Associations Community groups Residents Associations Money Advice agencies Employers

13. Help Points Run by staff and volunteers In Brighton & Hove: Queens Road Office open Monday to Friday 10 am to 3pm Portslade Library -Tuesdays 10 am to 1 pm Kemptown – St Georges Church Tuesdays 11am to 1 pm

14. How You Can Help? Become a member of the Credit Union Provide publicity for the Credit Union Volunteer for the Credit Union Encourage savings Report Loan Sharks – call 0300555222

15. East Sussex Credit Union Community Base 113 Queens Road Brighton BN1 3XG 01273 234858 info@eastsussexcu.org.uk www.eastsussexcu.org.uk info@eastsussexcu.org.uk www.eastsussexcu.org.uk