Oldham Credit Union helps 500 families with school uniforms

Lyndsey Gilkes, chief executive of Oldham Credit Union <i>(Image: Oldham Credit Union)</i>
Lyndsey Gilkes, chief executive of Oldham Credit Union (Image: Oldham Credit Union)
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A credit union has helped more than 500 families with a new school uniform loan.

Oldham Credit Union launched the scheme on July 1 to support families ahead of the new school year by offering up to £200 in affordable finance.

So far, more than £110,636 has been provided through the scheme.

Lyndsey Gilkes, chief executive of Oldham Credit Union, said: "I came in to the Credit Union with the clear mission to find the crunch points for people in the town, and to provide them with better options to make them affordable.

"I am delighted that we have been able to support so many families at a critical time in the year, and hope that we’ll be able to help many more in the future."

The school uniform loan is designed to offer a low-cost alternative to higher-cost finance or loan sharks and will run until August 31.

In addition to the uniform loan, the credit union offers other forms of affordable finance, including family loans, payroll savings schemes, and low-cost bus and tram tickets.

Sam Al-Hamdani, chairperson of Oldham Credit Union, said: "Oldham Credit Union is a lifeline for a lot of people in the borough and Lyndsey is doing a brilliant job of finding new ways for us to support people.

"Our whole mission is to provide responsible and affordable options for local people who might otherwise struggle.

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"The school uniform loan is a perfect example of how we can do that."

Oldham Credit Union offers affordable loans and savings options to people in Oldham who might otherwise struggle to get finance.

For more information about the scheme, contact Oldham Credit Union on 0161 678 7245 or email enquiry@oldhamcreditunion.co.uk.

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