John Baron MP calls on local schools to take part in My Money Week

MP says young people should learn financial skills

 John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, has called on local schools to take part in My Money Week (3 to 9 June), giving pupils the chance to learn more about money and personal finance.  Every primary and secondary school in Basildon and Billericay is being given the chance to take part for free in My Money Week, which has returned for its fifth year thanks to a new partnership between national charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group) and Barclays. 

My Money Week will improve young people’s financial skills, knowledge and confidence through special lessons, activities and debates in schools and other settings across the UK.  Teachers in Basildon and Billericay can order a free Activity Pack, developed by pfeg, full of creative and engaging financial resources and ideas for how to deliver financial education to young people, from the age of four up to 19. 

John said:

“It is in young people’s interest to learn more about money and personal finance. They could be making some key financial decisions – such as mortgages and insurance – soon after leaving school.  I therefore encourage all schools to take part in this excellent initiative.”

Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of pfeg said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have the support of John Baron MP in promoting My Money Week this year, and I hope all schools in Basildon and Billericay will seize the opportunity to take part through our free activity pack, advice and support.”

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Date: 24th May 2013

Notes to Editors

My Money Week 2013 will also raise awareness of Barclays’ flagship UK community programme, Barclays Money Skills, and provide opportunities for Barclays employees to share their financial expertise and skills with young people in teacher-led My Money Week activities in local schools.  In addition, this year will see extra resources targeted towards disadvantaged young people in both the school environment and the wider community.

Since the first My Money Week in 2009, more than three million young people have been helped to understand more about money and personal finance through focused activities in schools.  In 2012 around 500,000 young people took part in My Money Week activities, with 99 percent of teachers reporting an increase in skills and knowledge and 91 percent of teachers reporting a shift in students’ attitudes towards money.

Teachers in Basildon and Billericay can pre-order their free My Money Week Activity Packs at www.pfeg.org/mymoneyweek

For more information about My Money Week contact Matt Hartley at pfeg on 020 7330 9478 or 07730 141519 or email matt.hartley@pfeg.org

About My Money Week 2013

• My Money Week is taking place in schools throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from 3^rd June – 9^th June 2013
• My Money Week is a financial education programme developed and executed by pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group), the UK’s leading financial education charity.  My Money Week 2013 has been made possible by funding from Barclays
• Over the last four years the week has become the most widely recognised personal finance education initiative in England, and has helped a total of more than three million children and young people understand more about money
• For more information see www.pfeg.org/mymoneyweek or contact Matt Hartley at pfeg on 020 7330 9478 or 07730 141519 or email matt.hartley@pfeg.org

About pfeg

• pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group) is the UK’s leading financial education charity.  pfeg’s vision is a society in which all children and young people have the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage their money well, now and in the future.
• pfeg supports schools and colleges by providing free expert advice and high quality educational resources that engage and inspire young people. 
• Pfeg is the UK’s most trusted provider of knowledge, support and resources for anyone teaching children and young people about money
• For more information see www.pfeg.org or contact Matt Hartley on 020 7330 9478 or 07730 141519 or email matt.hartley@pfeg.org