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ESLCU what’s it all about?
With Christmas approaching finance problems can be hard to ignore, so here is some information to let you know a bit more about Credit Unions, so you can decide if they are right for you. If you want to consolidate all your debts, so you only have one bill to pay back, or simply get a loan to help you into the New Year.
Credit unions are for everyone. We are a financial community, a co-operative where members mutually benefit as there’s no profit for third-party shareholders. High street lenders may advertise attractive rates but those are often for people who want £10,000+. Rates are much higher for borrowers who just need to replace the washing machine or cooker, or need a new car.
Being democratically in control of our money, our credit union can also help those who can’t get access to ordinary bank products; a lifeline in less well-off communities for families grappling with their finances. We are the safe alternative to the loan sharks and doorstep lenders
Financial surpluses are used firstly to grow the credit union, offering affordable loans and financial services to all. Any additional profit from the business can be returned to members who save in the form of a dividend.
Member’s funds are always secure and protected and we are guaranteed to safeguard their savings through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Eden & South Lakeland Credit Union is part of a global social movement, with almost two million members in the UK and 260 million worldwide. We already have 700 members, and welcome people of all ages living or working in our area which stretches from Alston in the north, to Ulverston in the south, Ambleside in the west to Kirkby Stephen in the east.
With our manager, Stephen Thorp (pictured below), and an army of volunteers, we operate out of our offices in Penrith and Kendal with an outreach branch one day per week in Alston. We are always looking for more volunteers, especially people with a financial background. Those interested can contact us via our website www.edensouthlakeland.com or call 01768 890065 and speak to Stephen.
There are 89,026 Credit Unions across the world in 117 countries, over 6 continents and has 260,164,742 members at the last count. In the UK we have 450 branches and 1,749,441 members.
ESLCU is committed to supporting financially disadvantaged members of the Eden and South Lakeland communities by providing an affordable range of financial services, locally delivered and ethically focused. We aim to:
Promote thrift amongst our members by encouraging accumulation of savings
Offer flexible loans to our members at competitive rates, providing fair and affordable access to credit.
Provide safe and ethical savings accounts with the possibility of an annual dividend based on our financial performance
Work with partner organisations to improve financial capability within the communities we serve.
Contribute to local economic growth by retaining and distributing future profits to members in the Eden and South Lakeland communities
Work in partnership with local authorities, businesses, charities and social housing providers.