Barking and Dagenham Council is asking people to ‘do one thing’ to improve their financial wellbeing as part of the Money and Pensions Service’s Talk Money Week.

Held from 4 - 8 November, Talk Money Week aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging conversations among everyone, from families and friends to colleagues and communities. 

As part of this year’s theme, the council is asking everyone to get involved and ‘do one thing’. This could be something major, from creating an in-depth budget and looking closely at a pension, to something minor like talking to a child about pocket money or exploring the benefits calculator tool on the BD Money website.

Whichever option people choose, Barking and Dagenham Council is also asking them to talk to others about what they did and why, in the hope of inspiring them to join in too.

Taking control of money, talking openly about it and sharing the burden that worries can cause often has a huge impact on our health and relationships. It also helps someone to make better, more informed decisions.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Thousands of households with low incomes are feeling the impact of high living costs which is also having a knock-on effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to get talking about money – just one conversation could make all the difference and help you get the support you need. 

“I encourage residents to pop into our borough’s Community Hubs and Homes and Money Hub, where they can have a friendly chat and access a range of support to get back on track.”

Oliver Morley, Chief Executive at the Money and Pensions Service, says: “Talking about money with friends, family and children – or experts if necessary – can help you feel more confident and give you greater financial resilience. That’s why, as part of our annual Talk Money Week campaign, we’re calling for you to ‘do one thing’ to help improve your financial wellbeing, to tell others about it and ask them to do the same.  

“We know starting conversations about money can be difficult and so we have all the ideas and information you’ll need on our website, along with the tools to get you started. 

“Whether it’s something small, like starting a conversation, or something bigger, like making an informed long-term decision, this is the chance for everyone to get involved and start talking about money, together.”

For local money advice and support tools including a benefits calculator, a debt test and budgeting tools, visit https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/cost-living-support.  

For more information on Talk Money Week visit www.maps.org.uk/talk-money-week