Money Ready prepares to launch Brummie Bursary to empower Birmingham residents

The fund, managed by Money Ready, will be available through a partnership network of charities and community groups, including St Basil’s, Birmingham Children’s Trust, Sport 4 Life and Barnardo’s, to 16-25-year-olds living in Birmingham.

Young people can apply for a small, flexible bursary of up to £300, for things such travel cards or food vouchers that equip recipients to overcome daily challenges. Previous recipients benefitted from support to help remove the everyday financial barriers that can hold young people living in Birmingham back - whether that’s for essentials like food shopping, travel costs, course materials, clothes, or IT kit/mobile data.

Kiran, a previous recipient of the Brummie Bursary said:

"As I bought my own study supplies thanks to the bursary, this allowed to me to think about my purchases wisely before making them and gave me a sense of how to make financial decisions sensibly and independently”.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said:

“I am committed to giving young people in the West Midlands the best possible start in life. This is a fundamental theme in both my Youth Plan, which is tackling youth unemployment by providing training and meaningful work experience, and my Growth Plan, which focuses on rebooting the regional economy and raising living standards for people across the region.

“No young person should be held back from seizing the opportunities being created, because of everyday challenges like travel or food costs. That’s why I support and welcome this ‘Brummie Bursary’, which will provide essential support to help young people towards a rewarding career, whether they are currently learning, looking for work, or already in a job.”

Marcella Boyle, Chief Executive Officer, Hymans Robertson Foundation, said:

“The Hymans Robertson Foundation is thrilled to support the Brummie Bursary. It’s the second, multi-partner bursary we’ve supported. We’ve seen first-hand the impact small bursaries can have in supporting young people in hardship. With a little financial help, they can develop the skills and independence needed to cope and hopefully thrive in today’s world.

“The wrap around services offered by our referral partners across Birmingham are fantastic. We’re confident that the Brummie Bursary will support young people take their first step towards, or help them build on, a more secure future.”

Sally McLachlan, Midlands Manager at Money Ready said:

“The Brummie Bursary reflects Money Ready’s commitment to social impact and educational inclusion, ensuring that every financial education student – regardless of background or age – has the opportunity to develop vital money management skills that will equip them to thrive.”

There will be photo opportunities and your chance to find out more from beneficiaries and donors, including representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For information regarding joining the fund as a co-funder or to make a donation please contact Hymans Robertson Foundation’s CEO, Marcella Boyle.