Firm offers support in post-festive debt fight

RECESSION-hit householders in York who are struggling with crippling post-Christmas debts are being offered support from one of the city’s biggest employers.

Staff from Aviva have joined forces with York Council to give advice to residents who are dealing with debts which have stacked up during the festive season.

Workshops are being staged by the council and the company, which was previously called Norwich Union, in libraries across the city up until April.

Aviva’s head of corporate responsibility, David Schofield, said: “Christmas has been particularly difficult for many of us this year, with money as tight as it is at the moment.

“We want to help people get beyond counting the cost of Christmas, by really getting under the skin of their finances. By coming along to one of our free workshops, they could also help make things a little easier come next Christmas.”

The courses will give the public tips on setting and sticking to a budget, as well as helping people understand more about bank accounts, savings and insurance.

The workshops are the third phase of the Learn and Thrive project, which is being delivered through the partnership between York Council and Aviva.

Similar courses were held last year to provide York residents with tips on how to get through the recession.

The partnership between the council and Aviva has been nominated for an award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards in London later this year.

The council’s executive member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, Coun Nigel Ayre, said: “The courses run as part of the Learn and Thrive partnership have proven very popular in the past, with many people saying how useful they have been.

“It is great to see the positive impact that our partnership with Aviva is having for the people of York.”

More details about the workshops are available from the city’s libraries, by calling 01904 554288 or emailing [email protected].

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