Coastal Credit Union works in partnership with councils, social landlords, and other groups in the local communities of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and other BH postcode areas. As a non-profit making cooperative, dedicated to improving financial literacy, we welcome initiatives which encourage regular saving and better management of personal finances.

Workplace savings plans

Increasingly, employers are looking for opportunities to help staff with financial issues, such as debt and the need to develop a savings habit. Money worries can trigger stress-related illnesses, which are amongst the most serious health issues affecting employers, reducing productivity.

Coastal Credit Union is already working with local employers, including local councils, housing associations, and local charities [see which ones on our links page] to provide a workplace savings plan as a benefit to their employees. A regular amount is deducted every week or month, through the payroll. The process is straightforward to set-up. As one of our workplace savers explains, “If you’ve never had it, you don’t miss it! And one day you find you have enough in the kitty for a special treat!”

Housing benefits processing

We are now able to offer private landlords the facility to receive ring fenced Local Housing Allowance (LHA) on behalf of members who are their tenants. The relevant benefits are paid directly into the tenant-member’s Coastal Credit Union account, and then processed through to the landlord, subject to sufficient funds being available. This ensures that such tenants avoid rent arrears, which can affect their future references, as well as maintaining a stable home address. Landlords feel secure in the knowledge that the housing benefits reach them on time, and intact.

We add value to selected partners through;

• Extensive experience in helping financially disadvantaged individuals change their lives through regular savings and budgeting
• Strong relationships with, and support from, local housing associations and Councils, as well as community organisations
• Ethical and fair trade values
• Significant press goodwill, with additional coverage in local authority publications

Contact us now to find out more:

Coastal Credit Union, 531/533 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth Dorset BH1 4AG

• Phone: 01202 566878
• E-mail: info@coastalcreditunion.co.uk