Lord Mayor of Sheffield backs new initiative to help local people tackle money worries
October 29, 2026
South Yorkshire Community Bank welcomed the Lord Mayor of Sheffield to celebrate the launch of a new money guidance initiative to support the people and communities of Sheffield and Rotherham.
Two new Money Guidance Officers, with one role funded by Sheffield City Council, will help local residents talk about money, build financial confidence, seek support earlier and access the right help before financial difficulties escalate.
They will be deployed in local communities, offering impartial guidance to help people understand their options and access the support that’s right for them, whether that’s through South Yorkshire Community Bank or other organisations.
The initiative is part of South Yorkshire Community Bank working more closely with Sheffield City Council to tackle financial exclusion and improve access to fair, affordable finance. It forms part of a wider programme of improvements to the Community Bank’s services. Sheffield Credit Union and LASER Credit Union came together under the new South Yorkshire Community Bank name earlier this year, alongside upgrades to its Rotherham Office and app.
The mayor’s visit comes just ahead of “Talk Money Week”, which runs from 2nd to 6th November and is supported by South Yorkshire Community Bank. The Money and Pensions Service’s annual campaign promotes open conversations about money and financial wellbeing. This year’s theme, “It All Counts”, highlights how every financial decision, conversation and positive step, no matter how small, can contribute to improved financial wellbeing.
Throughout Talk Money Week, South Yorkshire Community Bank will be promoting the importance of talking about money. It aims to reduce the stigma often associated with financial challenges and help people recognise that support is available, such as through its Money Guidance Officers and workplace financial wellbeing initiatives with local employers across South Yorkshire.
Councillor Andrew Sangar MBE, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, said about his visit:
“Money worries can affect anyone, and knowing where to turn for help isn’t always easy. Having someone in the community who can offer impartial guidance, without judgement, can make a real difference.
“I’m pleased to see South Yorkshire Community Bank developing this initiative, with support from Sheffield City Council. Helping people feel more confident talking about money and getting support before problems escalate is an important part of tackling financial exclusion.
”Having a locally based, regulated alternative to high-cost lenders or illegal loan sharks is particularly important when household budgets are under pressure. As a not-for-profit, South Yorkshire Community Bank has an important role to play in helping people across Sheffield and Rotherham build greater financial resilience.”
Colin Havard, Chief Executive Officer of South Yorkshire Community Bank, added:
“We know that people don’t always find it easy to talk about money, particularly when they’re struggling. That’s why we’re taking guidance directly into communities, helping people understand their options and access the support that’s right for them. Our Money Guidance Officers are there to help people, whether or not they ever become members of South Yorkshire Community Bank.
“That’s what being a community bank means to us. We’re here to help people build better financial habits and greater financial confidence. And with Talk Money Week’s ‘It All Counts’ campaign just around the corner, it’s a particularly good time to encourage more people to start those conversations.”