Eden & South Lakeland Credit Union (ESLCU) has been awarded a £5,000 grant from Unity Bank to revamp its website to attract new members and provide a better user experience.
The Cumbrian financial co-operative, mostly staffed by volunteers, won the grant to improve digital services, beating competition from over 40 applications, vying for a share of the £70,000 that Unity Bank made available to help credit unions provide fair financial services and products.
ESLCU manager Stephen Thorpe said: “Grants like this one – and support from all members of the local community – are what keeps credit unions going.”
Hilary Claxton, a volunteer at the credit union, added: “We are really lucky to have been awarded this grant. I think it’s vital that we have a website that our members like using and that enables them to find out about the loans and savings schemes available to help them manage their finances.
“I chose to volunteer with the credit union because I think a family’s finances sometimes need a helping hand – rather than a handout – to help people to help themselves. Not to take over, more just supporting others whilst they find a better way of managing.
“I think that applies to most things, whether it’s finances, healthy food or life generally. I believe that we like to feel informed, educated and independent whi;e we do our best to get things right, building stronger, better lives for our families. That is the support credit unions can offer.”
ESLCU opened its doors to the local community in 2013 as EdenSave Credit Union. In 2017, with agreement from the members of South Lakeland Credit Union the two organisations merged and the business name was changed to Eden & South Lakeland Credit Union.
