As most of us know, stress is a common experience for many people. Luckily, when it comes to financial stress, credit unions can help alleviate some of the most common worries and, as it’s officially Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re taking a look at the ways becoming a member of Leeds Credit Union could reduce your financial worries and help improve your mental health.
Lower interest rates.
One of the biggest sources of financial stress is debt, particularly high-interest debt. Because credit unions typically offer lower interest rates on loans than traditional banks and high-cost credit providers, many people find using them enables them to save money more easily, reducing their stress levels by making it easier to pay off debt.
Personalised service.
Credit unions are member-owned, meaning they prioritise the needs of their members over the profits of shareholders. This allows them to offer a much more personalised service, with credit union staff more likely to work with you to find solutions to your financial challenges. This, in turn, helps reduce the stress of dealing with financial issues alone.
Money help.
Many credit unions enable their members to better understand their money, helping them learn about budgeting, saving and other important financial issues. By increasing your financial literacy, you may feel more confident and less stressed about managing your money.
Community focus.
Credit unions are often focused on serving their local communities. This helps create a sense of belonging and connection among members and in areas in which the credit unions operate, helping reduce stress.
Accessible services.
Credit unions often offer more accessible financial services than traditional banks. For example, they may offer lower minimum balance requirements, lower (or no) fees or more flexible loan requirements. These benefits can help reduce stress by making it easier to access the financial services you need.
How Leeds Credit Union can help reduce financial stress.
We provide straightforward, affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate, Craven, residents of certain housing associations and employees of some select employers.
If you are concerned about financial stress, our range of loans and savings accounts could help. For more information and to find out how to join our credit union, click here.
Although the problems caused by loan sharks are well known, the most recent reports into the number of people turning to them for financial help have revealed that a staggering three million Britons have used their dubious services since 2021, indicating there is still much to be done to get them off our streets once and for all.
Step forward the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) and its annual Stop Loan Sharks Week!
Taking place between the 19th and 25th of May, Stop Loan Sharks Week is a scheme set up by IMLT to raise awareness of the existence of – and risks posed by – illegal money lenders, also known as loan sharks. It works by offering people advice on how to recognise the signs that someone might be involved with a loan shark, what to do about it and where to get help.
What are loan sharks?
Loan sharks work by lending money to people who are struggling to make ends meet and who may have been turned down for a loan from reputable sources like credit unions or banks. They promise to provide them with a quick and easy loan, only to apply sky-high APR rates, trapping their financially vulnerable victim in a cycle of debt and resorting to intimidation and violence until the loan – plus interest – is repaid in full.
The IMLT works with local communities, educational facilities and the police to investigate and prosecute loan sharks, and offer support to those who owe them money. The IMLT is estimated to have written off close to £100 million worth of illegal debt since 2004, highlighting just how serious the issue is.
To try and put a stop to this illegal activity once and for all, Stop Loan Sharks Week raises awareness of the help that is available to people who have been targeted by illegal money lenders by encouraging conversations among friends, families and communities.
What does LCU do to stop loan sharks?
As a credit union, nothing is more important to us than looking after our members’ financial wellbeing. While we might not be out on the streets actively tracking loan sharks down to throw them behind bars, there are plenty of things we can do to stop them taking advantage of financially vulnerable individuals.
For example, during the 2023/2024 financial year, we lent more than £8.275m to our members, helping them save more than £11m in high interest repayments that would otherwise have ended up in the hands of loan sharks, many of whom were maliciously targeting some of Leeds’ most financially vulnerable postcodes.
We also work day-in and day-out to offer affordable loans, and access to savings accounts and money and budgeting advice to our members so that they never need to come into contact with loan sharks.
Seeking help if you’re in debt.
With the cost of living crisis driving more households into the grasp of illegal money lenders to help pay their bills, Stop Loan Sharks Week couldn’t have come at a better time.
If you have borrowed from an illegal money lender or are worried about someone else who may have, you can contact the IMLT team 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 or fill out a secure online form here to report a loan shark.
At Leeds Credit Union, our products and services can help you get your finances safely back on track and our friendly team is available to offer support and advice, whatever your circumstances. For more information or to get in touch, click here.
With longer days and winter a distant memory, many people in the UK are finding themselves inspired to breathe new life into their homes as part of ambitious spring cleaning and DIY projects.
But what are some of the UK’s most popular home improvements to undertake at this time of year? Let’s take a look…
Garden revitalisation.
Now our green spaces are bursting into bloom again, homeowners may well be tempted to show their outdoor areas a little TLC.
From simple tasks like weeding and pruning to more ambitious projects such as installing new flower beds, laying decking or creating a cosy seating area, giving your garden a shot in the arm is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of enhancing the beauty and functionality of your home at this time of year.
Painting and decorating.
A fresh coat of paint brightens up any room and spring is the ideal season for interior painting projects, as the warmer temperatures and increased ventilation from open doors and windows make it easier for paint to dry quickly and evenly!
Whether you’re opting for a subtle hue to create a calming atmosphere or a bold splash of colour to make a statement, a newly painted room is one of the most fool-proof ways to completely transform the look and feel of your home.
Decluttering.
For many of us, spring cleaning simply means ‘having a really good tidy up’ but there’s much more to it than that – it’s an excellent opportunity to declutter and organise your living space, creating a more serene and harmonious environment.
Take the time to sort through your belongings, donating or disposing of items you no longer need, and organising the rest in a way that maximises space and minimises clutter. From wardrobes and cupboards to garages and attics, there’s no shortage of areas to tackle during a thorough spring cleaning session.
Upgrading the kitchen.
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, making it a popular focus for springtime home improvement projects. Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or simply updating fixtures and appliances, there are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your kitchen. Consider replacing outdated countertops, installing new cabinetry or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of this vital space.
Outdoor maintenance.
As the weather warms up, it’s important to ensure that your home’s exterior is in top condition. From cleaning gutters and washing windows to repairing fences and repainting doors, outdoor maintenance tasks can help protect your property from the elements while enhancing its overall appeal.
Don’t forget to inspect your roof for any signs of damage and schedule any necessary repairs to prevent leaks and other issues down the line too!
DIY with LCU!
Whether your spring home improvement project requires just a few tins of paint and some new storage options or a whole new kitchen, our range of affordable loans is here to help you make your dream home a reality!
Find out how we can help here.
Taking place from May 13th, Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event designed to promote mental wellbeing, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
But did you know that research shows that taking small steps – like saving a small amount of money each month – can have a positive impact on both your financial wellbeing and your mental health?
Read on to find out more!
What is financial wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing isn’t about earning or being able to save lots of money, it’s about people’s relationships with money, the control they have over their own finances and their ability to strike the right balance between having enough money to pay the bills and enough to spend on things they enjoy, both now and in the future.
Why is it important?
As well as being important for financial reasons, financial wellbeing is also important for our mental health. People with poor financial wellbeing often suffer from stress and anxiety, and are at an increased risk of becoming isolated. Furthermore, employees with financial concerns are more than twice as likely to suffer from reduced productivity and/or absenteeism at work than those with good financial wellbeing.
On the other hand, people with good financial wellbeing are less stressed about money, which has a positive effect on their overall health and can help improve their relationships.
How to manage and improve your financial wellbeing.
Establishing good financial habits is easier said than done but these tips will help you on your way:
Need a helping hand?
At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a Money and Budgeting Service (MABS) that can help you to budget more effectively and ensure your bills are paid on time. For more information, please click here!
With most schools closing for around a fortnight for the Easter holidays, plenty of parents across Barking and Dagenham will be on the lookout for inexpensive activities to keep their kids entertained.
If you’re one of them, you’re in luck – there are plenty of fun, inexpensive activities to choose between including:
Ballerz Multi-Sports Easter Programme.
Taking place from April 14–17, children aged 5–11 can participate in multi-sports activities, enrichment sessions and an Easter egg hunt at Valence Primary (Dagenham) and Northbury Primary (Barking).
Funded places are available for eligible families.
Valence House Museum.
Explore local history in this free museum, set in a historic building with beautiful gardens.
Eastbrookend Country Park.
Perfect for walks and wildlife spotting.
Mayesbrook Park.
Offers playgrounds and open spaces for family fun.
Keep control of your money this Easter.
However you decide to spend the Easter holidays, we can help make it more affordable with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
With most of us having a few days off over the coming weeks, we’ve taken a look at some of the best activities Wakefield has to offer this Easter. And with so many fantastic destinations in the area to choose from, there are plenty of options!
Here are a few of our family-friendly suggestions:
Wakefield Markets Easter Egg Hunt.
From April 5–19, all six district markets feature free Easter-themed activities, including crafts, games, and egg hunts.
Kids will love getting hands-on with some of the crafting activities, before setting off to explore a variety of market stalls as you hunt for eggs in a traditional egg hunt. A wide range of other Easter-themed activities are also on the menu!
The Hepworth Wakefield.
Enjoy free family activities every weekend and throughout the school holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield this spring and get creative as a family while you explore the famous art gallery and its garden.
From special painting and sculpting workshops, to regular indoor and outdoor activities, there’s something fun happening every day until the end of the Wakefield school holidays!
Entry is free for Wakefield residents and under 18s.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Discover art in a beautiful park setting of 500+ acres of rolling countryside at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park – home to more than 100 open air sculptures and installations!
From Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Squares with Two Circles’ to Henry Moore’s ‘Large Two Forms’, you can see the work of the greats in an incredible setting. Often with a free-roaming sheep or two strolling right alongside you!
A dog-friendly space with plenty of cafes and food and drink outlets, plus a children’s play area and a huge, picturesque lake, if you like leisurely walks, picnics and fabulous scenery, this is the place for you.
Stay in control of your finances this Easter.
However you decide to spend Easter, we can help make it more affordable with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
The Easter holidays are upon us, so what have you got planned?
If the answer is “Not a lot”, you’re missing a trick – the Easter holidays are a fantastic time to explore Leeds without stretching your budget. Why not try…
Free Craft Activities at Kirkgate Market.
From April 14–19, 11am–3pm, Kirkgate Market offers free drop-in sessions with LEGO, Duplo, crafts and colouring for children aged 12 and under.
Dragon Quest at Lotherton.
Embark on a mythical adventure with the Dragon Quest at Lotherton from April 5–21. The quest is included with general admission, and it’s free for members.
Royal Armouries Museum.
Explore arms and armour from across the world, watch in amazement as the Armouries’ famous combat demonstrations take centre stage, then enjoy some Easter-themed activities!
Leeds City Museum.
Interactive exhibits designed for kids, no entry fee and a convenient, central location. Perfect!
Roundhay Park.
Enjoy vast green spaces, playgrounds and lakes. Ideal for families and kids of all ages, just remember to check the weather forecast before setting off if you’re thinking of taking a picnic!
Kirkstall Abbey.
Explore historic ruins and scenic grounds.
Stay in control of your finances this Easter.
However you decide to spend the Easter holidays, we can help make it stress-free with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
With Mother’s Day nearly here, it’s time for any last-minute shoppers out there to get their thinking caps on and find their mum a little something to show their appreciation without breaking the bank.
Here are some suggestions to get you started!
Aromatherapy set.
This relaxing beauty and fragrance gift set from aromatherapy company Tisserand is guaranteed to help your mum find some inner peace after a busy weekend.
Containing two vegan-friendly bath and body oils made with a soothing blend of lavender, jasmine and sandalwood, it’s the perfect gift for mums who don’t put their feet up often enough.
Crackling scented candle.
With their tranquil aromas and comforting glow, there’s a reason most mums love a good candle and this one is just brilliant!.
Presented with a stylish hourglass design, this linen-scented candle has a burn time of up to 130 hours, while its wick crackles as it burns, so your mum will feel as though she’s sitting next to a real fire.
RHS gardening book.
Greenfingered mums across the UK are chomping at the bit to get back into their gardens now spring is here again, so why not help yours make her outdoor space the best it can be with this month-by-month gardening guide?
Filled with tips and advice from gardening experts, as well as helpful illustrative images, the book will make your mum’s garden the envy of her neighbours all year round. And it’s currently available with more than 40% off!
Gin glasses.
If your mum likes a cheeky gin, she’ll really like this cocktail glass gift set, which includes two elegant gin glasses, a recipe book, a rose gold cocktail spoon and a double-sided measuring cup. At just over £20, it’s likely to sell out fast, so get ordering!
Days out.
Whitby Abbey.
If your mum loves a good walk, why not take her to Whitby Abbey?
Perfect for short or long walks, Whitby offers views of the famous, Dracula-inspiring abbey, beautiful coastlines, a wide range of pubs and cafes and, of course, the chance to eat some of the UK’s best fish and chips!
Brimham Rocks.
For mums that love the great outdoors, there aren’t many better places to visit this Mother’s Day than Brimham Rocks.
Located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty a few miles outside of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks offers a huge array of wildlife, dramatic moorland views and scenic strolls, all among an amazing collection of natural rock formations that are the ideal spot for picnickers.
Need a helping hand this Mother’s Day?
At Leeds Credit Union, we can help take the hassle out of Mother’s Day with one of our affordable small loans. For more information or to make an application, click here.
With spring here again, now is the perfect time to refresh your finances and make your money work harder for you. Whether you’re saving up for a special present, planning a holiday or just looking to save more money, here are five tips to help you make the most of your money this spring!
Look over your savings account.
Take a close look at your current savings account and compare it to some of the other savings accounts that are out there. Lots of credit unions offer very good interest rates and incentives for new customers, so moving your savings to an account with better rates can help your money grow faster.
Don’t spend what you can’t afford!
Spring is the perfect time to review your monthly expenses to see where you could be saving money, so have a close look at your subscriptions, memberships and recurring bills. Are you paying for anything you no longer use or need? Could you manage with less data on your mobile phone contract or fewer streaming services?
If the answer is ‘yes’, cancel or downsize these expenses asap to free up extra money and add it to your savings account!
Shop smarter.
Now the weather is getting warmer, you may be tempted to buy things like new clothes, things for your home or outdoor equipment. But before buying anything, ask yourself if you really need it.
If you really do, take the time to shop around and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts and coupons to make your money go further, or consider buying second-hand or pre-loved items to save even more money.
Explore cashback and rewards programs.
Make the most of your everyday spending by signing up for cashback and rewards programs. Many banks, credit cards and shopping platforms offer cashback or rewards points on purchases and, by using them cleverly, you can earn money back on your regular expenses.
Become more energy efficient.
As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home.
Simple changes like installing LED light bulbs, resealing drafty windows and upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help lower your energy bills and save you more money.
Leeds Credit Union – here when you need us.
By trying these five tips, you can make your money go further this spring and set yourself up for financial success in the months ahead.
If you’ve done everything you can to save some extra money but are still struggling to make ends meet, you could borrow between £250 and £25,000 with one of our affordable loans. To find out more, click here.
There’s always lots to do in Leeds and this weekend is no different, with the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations coming to town!
A celebration of the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s most famous saint, St. Patrick’s Day takes place all around the world every year on March 17th, even though it is only officially recognised as a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland!
In fact, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival, with people getting together to enjoy public parades, traditional Irish music, the wearing of green clothing and, if you’re old enough, a glass or two of Irish beer or whiskey.
There will be lots to do in Leeds City Centre this Sunday to mark the occasion, with a major St Patrick’s Day celebration planned that features lots of free entertainment, such as:
For more information, visit: https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/whats-on-news/leeds-st-patricks-day-parade-31176532
Sláinte!
Unfortunately, due to a power cut, our Merrion Branch will be closed for the rest of the day (19/5/25).