YOUNG parents struggling to cope with complicated family budgets are being given a helping hand in north Bournemouth.

Action for Children has joined forces with Barclays to help people cope on limited amounts of money and to help them avoid making mistakes.

The money management course is being delivered at North Bournemouth Children’s Centres and recipients are also getting advice on employment and support with English and maths.

“Managing personal finances has become increasingly more complex and it is easy to make mistakes that can have a huge impact in later life,” said Anna Batty, Service Manager.

“Since starting the programme many of the centre’s young mums have completely changed the way they think and feel about money and have gained such confidence in their abilities, which is fantastic to see.”

Mum-of-three Helen, 24, said she has learned how to budget to pay back some of her debts and has started a long-term repayment plan.

She added: “I have quite a big overdraft and with paying bills, food for my kids and making sure I was looking after their needs, there wasn’t any money at the end of the month to pay it off.

“After looking at budgeting tips, learning how to cook a healthy meal for less than £5 and hearing about how other young mums manage their money, I’ve now got the confidence and skills to change that.”

Barclays volunteers delivered an interactive session and one, Wendy Grocott, said: “Many of the young people that Action for Children supports face a particularly challenging set of circumstances.

“We are working together to make a very real and sustainable difference to the lives of young people in Bournemouth.”