Fermanagh and Omagh District Council joins campaign for people to ‘do one thing’ to improve their financial wellbeing

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is encouraging everyone to get involved in Talk Money Week, which take place from 6-10 November 2023.  The campaign inspires people to take one action, however small, that improves their financial wellbeing and to tell others about it.

Talk Money Week, which is led by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) and supported by hundreds of organisations, aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging conversations among everyone, from families and friends to colleagues and communities.  MaPS says “it’s time to talk specifics” and help everyone improve their financial wellbeing.

As part of this year’s theme, the Council is encouraging everyone to get involved and ‘do one thing’. It could be something major, like creating an in-depth budget or looking closely at a pension, or something minor like talking to a child about pocket money or exploring the MoneyHelper website.

Whatever people choose to do, the 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.  As part of the week, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will also be making some suggestions for small things that residents can do to also help with the impacts of the Cost of Living crisis.  These suggestions could include talking to one of the local debt support organisations; using “Make The Call” to check benefit entitlements; carrying out a financial Midlife MOT; or checking state pension statements. There will be daily suggestions and advice, with links to all the relevant services, on the Fermanagh and Omagh Council social media pages. More information is also available at http://www.fermanaghomagh.com/costoflivinghelp

As part of Talk Money Week, there will also be activities taking place across the UK to get more people talking about money and engaging with topics like using credit, saving regularly, planning for retirement, dealing with debt and teaching children about financial decisions.

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

Speaking about Talk Money Week, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said:

“Everyone is impacted in some way by the Cost of Living crisis due to increased costs amongst other factors.

There is lots of support available locally for people who are finding things difficult financially and I would encourage anyone who needs support to reach out as early as possible.

I would also encourage everyone to get involved and try to ‘do one thing’ that could help to improve your financial wellbeing during Talk Money Week.”

Both Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh will be illuminated blue on Monday 6 November in recognition of Talk Money Week.

Caroline Siarkiewicz, Chief Executive at the Money and Pensions Service says: “Talk Money Week has grown every single year and we want to build on that success, so it’s time to talk specifics. This is why we’re asking and inspiring people to ‘do one thing’ and take another step towards improving their financial wellbeing, telling others about it as they go. “Whether it’s something small, like starting a conversation, or something major, like making an informed long term decision, this is a chance for everyone to get involved and reap the benefits. “We have the ideas and information you’ll need on our website, along with the tools to help you get started, so I’d urge everyone to think about what works for them. By working together, we can help everyone make the most of their money and pensions.”

For more information on Talk Money Week, visit www.maps.org.uk/talk-money-week/ and for local information and support, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com/costoflivinghelp.