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PRESS RELEASE / Mendip credit union appeal for weekend time donations

Press release issued on behalf of Mendip Community Credit Union

More volunteers are needed to meet growing demand for local credit union services

More volunteers are needed to meet growing demand for local credit union services

ORGANISERS behind a provider of savings and loans for Frome residents are appealing for people to help them meet growing local demand.

The town’s service point for Mendip Community Credit Union (MCCU) is operated from the public library and is run by three volunteers.

The MCCU’s organisers say its financial services are becoming increasing popular and they need more hands-on help with their community work.

Barbara Bacon, a volunteer for the Frome branch of MCCU says those interested in helping don’t need to be qualified as bookkeepers or trained in working with money.

“We are looking for people of any age who enjoy meeting new people and are able to offer two hours of their time one Saturday morning a month.

“Volunteers need to also be able to use a calculator and help new credit union members and applicants to complete forms.”

The MCCU is a mutual organisation and was formed to enable members of the local community to save ethically and borrow money at competitive rates. It has no external shareholders and pays out any end of year surplus to its members, as a dividend.

The credit union’s Frome service point offers a discreet service, every Saturday morning in Frome library, from 10-12. Its savings and loans accounts are becoming increasingly popular and are available to anyone living or working within the area served by Mendip District Council.

Barbara says that although the credit union’s volunteering would suit people who want to put something back into their local community and enjoy helping others, the work can also be rewarding in other, unexpected ways.

“It leads to making new friendships as well as learning new skills and gaining more working confidence.

“One previous volunteer found her work with the MCCU gave her the capability to then apply for a full-time job in a different field, after learning more about customer services and handling money.”

Anyone interested in helping the Mendip Community Credit Union as a volunteer can find out more via its website mendipcommunitycu.org.uk and visit the volunteers who run the local service, from 10am to midday every Saturday morning in Frome library.

MCCU’s members’ savings are covered by the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme; the Mendip Community Credit Union Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.