Date issued: 13 Nov 2009

NATIONWIDE RESPONDS TO LOCAL NEEDS AND HOSTS THE FIRST SWINDON COMMUNITY FINANCE CAFE
Charities and support groups on hand to offer free advice and information

Nationwide is proud to be hosting the first Swindon Community Finance Café at Nationwide House on Saturday 14 November from 12 noon to 5.00 pm.

In July overall unemployment in Swindon was up 147% against a national increase of 81%*. This prompted Nationwide to consider how it could support local residents affected by the economic downturn. As a result Nationwide has invited a wide range of local charities and support groups to attend and provide a 'one stop shop' of support and guidance to people within the Swindon area who are facing financial worries.

Caroline Hallatt, Head of Corporate Responsibility for Nationwide explains: "We know from our involvement with local Government and support groups that Swindon, like other areas around the country, has been hard hit by the current economic downturn, and that this has impacted many people in the community.

When people are facing money issues they often don't know where to turn. We are fortunate enough to have the space at Nationwide House for a range of local charities and support groups to set up shop for the day to offer some advice and guidance. We're hoping that, with such a wide variety of experts on hand, people will go away with the financial information they need to help them to move forwards.

We hope that this event can make a real difference in some peoples' lives".

Notes to Editors

Venue Information

Date: Saturday 14 November
Time: 12 noon to 5.00 pm
Venue: Nationwide House, Pipers Way, Swindon
By car: Free car parking at Nationwide House
Buses: Stage Coach 71 (every hour) or Thamesdown 11 (4 per hour)

Participating charities and support groups:

Age Concern and Help the Aged, HandyVan, Citizens Advice, Health through Warmth, Wiltshire & Swindon Financial Benefits Team, Credit Union Project, Community First, Swindon Trading Standards, Selwood Housing, Nationwide Building Society, Sarsen Housing Association, Job Centre Plus, Shelter

Nationwide Financial Capability This Community Finance Café is only one part of Nationwide’s community programme. Our funding has enabled the recruitment and training of an additional 1300 Citizens Advice volunteers who will deliver financial education to individuals and groups across UK communities, reaching 100,000 people. Our online Financial Capability programmes, hosted on NationwideEducation.co.uk are designed to help children and young people from 4-18+ learn about money, and improve their confidence and ability to manage their finances independently and responsibly in the future.

Nationwide's Corporate Responsibility Report for 2008/09, More Than Just Words, is now available to view at: www.nationwide.co.uk/cr/reports