Sutton Council is taking part in Talk Money Week 2021, an annual awareness campaign coordinated by the Money and Pensions Service (now called Money Helper) aimed at encouraging everyone to open up about their money and pensions.

Held from 8 to 12 November, Talk Money Week aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging conversations among families, friends, neighbours, customers, colleagues and communities. Talking openly about money can have a huge impact on tackling money worries, and is important for our overall health and relationships. The impact of COVID-19 has made it more important than ever to start conversations about money to look after our financial wellbeing.

Throughout the week there will be activities going on to get more people talking about personal finance issues and engaging with topics such as saving regularly, planning for retirement, dealing with debt, and teaching children and young people about managing money.

As part of the week, Sutton Council and partners are running two drop-in sessions for people to pop in for free advice and information on anything from; tips for good money management to help with benefits or debt advice, loan sharks and scams, energy efficiency, to how you can save money for your future.

Councillor Marian James, Chair of Sutton Council’s People Committee, said: “Talking about money is more important than ever right now, with the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on so many people. At our free drop-in sessions, residents can get a finance health-check, advice about how to avoid the scammers and lots more. For a friendly face, if you need to talk to someone about your financial situation, do make sure you pop along.”

Steve Tucker, Managing Director of Sutton Housing Partnership, said: “Our residents are telling us that they’re concerned about rising fuel and food costs and the impact those will have on their finances this winter. These events are aimed at making it easier for people to talk about their financial situation if they’re struggling and don’t know where to turn, and to get valuable information about a whole range of financial concerns that can help them to think smarter about how they can manage their household budgets.”

Peter Robinson, Operations Manager at CroydonPlus (working in the areas of Sutton, Croydon and Merton), said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and provide money management advice and support for all the whole community, that is both sound and ethical!’

What’s on

Monday 8 November

Who’s there: Sutton Housing Partnership team, Money Helper, CroydonPlus Credit Union, St Helier Community Food Shop, Sutton Council’s Welfare Reform and Trading Standards teams

Venue: Thomas Wall Close, 52 Benhill Avenue, Sutton SM1 4DP

Time: 10am to 2pm

Wednesday 10 November

Who’s there: Citizens Advice Sutton, Sutton Housing Partnership, Money Helper, CroydonPlus Credit Union, St Helier Community Food Shop, the council’s Welfare Reform and Trading Standards teams, Christians Against Poverty, JobCentre Plus, Sutton Healthy Homes (energy efficiency and advice)

Venue: Hill House, Bishopsford Road, Carshalton, Morden SM4 6BL

Time: 10am to 2pm

Thursday 11 November

Join Citizens Advice Sutton for a Q&A with a qualified debt advisor, between 6.30pm and 7.30 pm. Join at 6.30pm on the Citizens Advice Sutton website.

CroydonPlus serves anyone living or working in the areas of Sutton, Croydon and Merton with savings and loans services.