The South Yorkshire Financial Inclusion Awards 2020 celebrated local people and organisations who are making a difference in their communities by helping people to manage their money.
Held at the historic Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield, the event was hosted by Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis MP, with winners awarded up to £1,000 as a donation to continue their good work.
challenging unfairness
Financial inclusion means everyone having access to financial products and services that are affordable, transparent and fair. Without this, people end up paying more for essential goods and services, and have less choice. This can have a negative impact – not just on an individual’s finances, but also their employment, and their family’s housing, health and wellbeing.
making a difference
The judging panel was very impressed by the range of nominations received, and the work done across South Yorkshire everyday to ensure that residents have the financial tools and skills they need to thrive. The awards celebrated regular services, tirelessly supporting people with issues like debt, accessing the right benefits, and managing a household budget; organisations helping people to help themselves by making longer-term changes to build their financial resilience; and individuals going above and beyond to meet a need they’d seen in their communities.
As well as celebrating winners, the event was an opportunity for people working on financial inclusion to network, and inspire collaboration to better meet needs across the region.
Lewis Bowman was awarded Financial Inclusion Champion for his work with Reach South Sheffield, Live Better: Get Connected, presented by Heather Williams-Taplin of Demos on behalf of the event sponsors, New Day GROW, winner, Promoting financial inclusion, presented by Joanne Ainley of Demos Dan Jarvis MP, Mayor of Sheffield City Region 
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Financial Inclusion Team, winner, Promoting financial inclusion, presented by Mayor of Barnsley Pauline Markham 
Sheffield Credit Union, winner, Promoting financial inclusion, presented by the Master Cutler, Nicholas Williams TD DL 
Berneslai Homes Tenant First Service, winner, Promoting financial inclusion, presented by Doncaster Civic Mayor, Cllr Linda Curran Gary Simpson was awarded Financial Inclusion Champion for his work with Community First Credit Union, presented by Polly Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Demos 
