This programme is part of Tandem Bank’s commitment to supporting local communities through its Tandem Impact initiative.

The event, hosted by Tandem Bank at its Blackpool office, brought together local educational representatives, North West educational institutions and employees from the Bank to officially launch the project and showcase how Tandem’s Financial Education Programme fills the gaps in the next generation's financial literacy education.

Research from the LIBF1 shows that 83% of students (aged 15-18) want to learn more about money and finance in school. With the current cost of living crisis, the need for support and education is ever more pressing. Tandem’s programme is focused on building an understanding of financial products and common pitfalls, providing school and college leavers with the practical financial education they need, at no cost.

Guests at the event, including Blackpool MPs Mark Menzies and Paul Maynard, were given a tour of Tandem’s immersive mobile learning hub which is ready to take on its initial tour across the North West. Other guests included representatives from Blackpool Football Club, AFC Fylde, Preston College, Blackpool and Fylde College, Lancaster & Morecambe College, and The Boathouse Youth.

The Financial Education Programme will provide participants with:
• Dedicated educational trainer to conduct sessions
• Six financial education modules including financial lifecycle, budgeting, forms of borrowing and online safety
• Full teaching plans and notes for schools to use as lesson guides
• Access to our dedicated Tandem mobile learning hub

Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, said:
“Financial literacy and education is crucial if our young people are to understand the financial responsibilities they will face in adult life. Never has this been truer than during the current cost of living crisis.

“The Prime Minister outlined in the New Year that one of this Government’s priorities is to improve financial and mathematical literacy. Tandem's Financial Education Programme takes this one step further and supports our next generation to make better informed financial decisions.

“I’m delighted that Tandem – a great local employer – is supporting the community and empowering so many young people across Blackpool and the North West."

Alex Mollart, Chief Executive Officer at Tandem Bank, said:
“We’re delighted to launch such an important and worthwhile programme in our local community. Money management, budgeting and credit scores are a constant feature in everyone’s lives, and it is essential these vital lessons are taught to young people to help prevent financial mistakes being made.

“Having good money management is the path to better social mobility. As a local Blackpool lad myself, our goal is to roll out the Tandem Financial Education Programme across the region and beyond — educating our next generation of adults and helping them make better informed financial decisions.”