Access Financial Services (Access FS) is partnering with two charities, Just Finance Foundation and KidsAid, as part of a wider push to strengthen its social impact and financial wellbeing agenda.
The mortgage and protection brokerage said the collaborations would focus on tackling financial vulnerability and supporting community resilience through fundraising, awareness campaigns and staff engagement initiatives.
Access FS said the partnership with Just Finance Foundation would focus on improving financial literacy and money management skills for children and young people who are growing up facing increasing economic pressures. The national charity works with schools and youth groups to deliver programmes that help children build confidence, make money choices and develop skills for lifelong financial wellbeing.
The brokerage said the relationship with Just Finance Foundation was particularly relevant as learning about money early is key because it helps children grow up with the understanding and confidence to assess their options and make choices that are right for them.
James Woodcock, head of fundraising at Just Finance Foundation, said: “Across the UK, most young people leave school without the financial skills and confidence needed for future study, work and life. This can leave them exposed to additional money stress, unhealthy risk and scams. We are on a mission to make sure every child is empowered with financial education for life. Access Financial Services is helping us make sure no child misses out.”
Alongside the partnership with Just Finance Foundation, Access FS said it was also collaborating with KidsAid, a charity which provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people affected by trauma, abuse and adverse life experiences. Access FS said there was a clear connection between early-life vulnerability and negative longer-term financial outcomes.
Geoff Russell-Jones, deputy chief executive of KidsAid, said: “This year KidsAid will launch the Stronger Together programme bringing children, their families, schools and community focused businesses together to improve mental health outcomes for children & young people. We are delighted to be joining forces with Access Financial Services at this important and exciting moment. The impact of childhood trauma can extend far into adulthood, shaping people’s lives and the lives of those around them. Childhood trauma can be generational, impacting families and communities for years to come. KidsAid works to break these negative cycles by bringing our communities together to support children and young people, creating positive lasting outcomes that ensure we are all Stronger Together.”
Karl Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Access FS, said: “Access FS takes ESG very seriously and has always placed great emphasis on vulnerability, inclusion and customer outcomes. The determination to support Just Finance Foundation and Kids Aid reflects that. Our decision was essentially driven by a desire to take a more holistic approach to our responsibilities.
“As a business, we’re increasingly conscious that our role doesn’t begin and end with arranging mortgages or protection policies. The confidence people have in their money management is shaped by a wide range of factors, from the financial literacy they have access to, through to the stability and support they experience growing up.
“By teaming up with Just Finance Foundation and KidsAid, we’re backing organisations that are addressing these issues at their roots. It’s about helping to create stronger foundations, whether that’s through improving financial literacy or supporting children to overcome early challenges.”
Access FS said both partnerships would develop over time through joint campaigns, events and community initiatives involving clients and staff.
Wilkinson concluded: “These relationships form part of a longer-term strategy to embed social value more deeply into our operations. At Access FS, social value is not a bolt-on corporate social responsibility exercise. This is precisely why we have been recognised as a champion of diversity and inclusion within the broker community recently.”
