Resident-led money advice DVD wins second award

Published by smanners for Wales & West Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

A DVD made by social housing residents to help others cope financially when setting up home has won its second major award.

The ‘My Home…Making Every Penny Count’ DVD has won the MoneyActionNet Award 2011 by social action information provider Lemos & Crane. The MoneyActionNet Award celebrates projects that have proved successful in helping social housing tenants to improve their money management. 

The DVD was produced by a group of volunteers aged between 18 and 80 supported by members of the Flintshire Youth Forum. The project was created by the North Wales Financial Inclusion Partnership, funded by Barclays Bank and supported by the Wales Co-operative Centre’s Financial Inclusion Champion.

“The DVD contains important advice and practical ideas on how residents can make savings and avoid getting into unnecessary debt when moving into their new home. By involving residents in the production we have been able to communicate key money management messages in a context which is both personal and relevant to them” said Les, a Money Advice Officer for Wales & West Housing Association, one of the seven partner organisations which make up the Partnership.

The DVD was made from beginning to end by the volunteers who all live in social housing properties across North Wales. They were responsible for the storyboarding, scripting, filming, editing and music. They were guided through the process by TAPE Music and Film based in Old Colwyn.

The DVD forms part of a package of ‘My Home…’ resources which also includes a leaflet and a booklet. People applying for a new home receive the leaflet whilst new residents are offered a choice of either the DVD or the booklet.

It is also available to view on Tape TV at www.tapetv.tv
Les added: “It is early days but anecdotal feedback we’ve had from residents so far is that they’ve found it really useful. Winning awards is a real bonus particularly to those who took part in the production.”

The other members of the Partnership are: Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, North Wales Housing, Cartrefi Conwy, Cymdeithas Cymunedol Gwynedd, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd and Cymdeithas Tai Eryri.

Last year the Partnership won the Promoting Independence Awards Service User Involvement Award for the DVD.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWHA, said: “This short film is all about the tough financial choices which face many people when they take up a tenancy. It works because it is simple, clear and direct and I am very proud of our involvement in the partnership behind this project.”