TO help people who live in Frome, or anywhere in the Mendip area, who need loans urgently for essentials, such as a cooker, bed or fridge, Mendip Community Credit Union (MCCU) has a ‘Hand Up’ fund.
The MCCU report, “Even in ‘normal’ times people can be caught out by an unexpected bill or have lots of expense all at once and have a cash flow problem. The car needs repairing, the boiler breaks down, the washing machine packs in.
“The hand up fund means that people who are not members of MCCU and do not have the savings history to be granted a regular loan can apply for a small, urgent loan at a rate considerably less than payday or doorstop lenders.
“MCCU checks what’s affordable and suggests a repayment and savings plan that will keep the costs of the loan to a minimum. MCCU encourages people to save whilst repaying a loan as the interest rate is dynamic and reduces in stages as the loan decreases and savings increase. As repayments are made to the hand up fund, the money becomes available to lend to other people.
“However, our hand up loan fund is currently very low, which means that we may not be able to help people who urgently need help, therefore we are seeking donations to the fund. Please call Freephone 0800 622 6036 or email info@mendipcommunitycu.org.uk for details of how to donate.
“Perhaps you could help MCCU in a practical way by volunteering? MCCU needs volunteers who can help members who contact us via our phone, text and email helplines, particularly whilst we aren’t able to meet members face to face at our service points.
“ If you are a reasonably confident computer user and like talking to people on the phone, we’d love to hear from you. Of course, full training will be given. To find out more please use the Freephone number or email address above.”
