DCU News & Events |
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| New Debt Advice Initiative from DCU and CAB |
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Downpatrick Credit Union and the local office of the Citizens Advice Bureau have teamed up to help local people meet New Year financial challenges.
In a first for Northern Ireland, the two organisations are uniting to pool their resources for the benefit of the community in Downpatrick. Announcing the initiative Ann Irvine, Manager of Downpatrick Credit Union said:
"Since 1969 Downpatrick Credit Union has existed with one sole purpose, to meet the financial needs of our local members. Over the years, we have expanded our services and this partnership is a direct result of the increased pressures facing local households during the economic downturn.
During this pilot project, a member of the Citizens Advice team will attend at the Credit Union once a month. The CAB will be available to members and non-members to offer advice on how to overcome financial difficulties in what we are calling 'The Surgery'.
Both the CAb and the Credit Union are based on the same principles, we are not-for-profit organisations and here soley to meet the needs of local people. Unlike other high-interest 'get rich quick' lenders, we are not here to profit on the needs of people."
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Above: Down District CAB Debt Advisor Adam Harbinson with DCU Manager Ann Irvine |
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Adam Harbinson, Debt Advisor in the CAB said, “The essence of managing problem debts is to take a structured approach, and that’s difficult when you are emotionally involved. So, on 8th February 2012, starting with a half-day a month, a representative from CAB will be available at ‘The Surgery’, based in the Credit Union’s office on Market Street to help those debt-troubled people work their way out of their difficulties. ‘The Surgery’ is open to everyone whether they are members of the Credit Union or not.”
Philip Blair, PR Officer at Downpatrick Credit Union said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for two great local institutions to work together for the good of their community.”
Downpatrick Credit Union has been serving the local community since 1969. Established to enable local people to help themselves in relieving debt and poverty, it now provides a range of financial services as well as a year round calendar of community events. The Credit Union on Market Street is open six days a week and like those throughout Northern Ireland is owned by the community which it serves. |
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| All New EasyShare Thrift Account |
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Downpatrick Credit Union has launched another new service for its members. The new ‘EasyShare’ thrift account will enable members to save money for such things as birthdays, a holiday, Christmas, fuel costs, unexpected bills or just for a rainy day. The ‘EasyShare’ thrift accounts are an excellent way of avoiding those expensive sources of ‘quick-cash’, including pay day loans and credit cards.
‘EasyShares’ are also a much safer product than ‘savings stamp schemes’. If a savings stamp book is lost or stolen, it is equivalent to cash that has been stolen or lost. However, if a credit union ‘EasyShare’ account book is lost it can easily be replaced and no-one can access the account. Savings stamps are not insurable, unlike the ‘EasyShare’ accounts. The new ‘EasyShares’ are also covered by the credit unions Life Savings Protection and may be eligible for annual dividends if declared.
‘EasyShare’ thrift accounts are separate from member’s normal shares, which are used as security against their credit union loan. With ‘EasyShares’ you can deposit and withdraw whenever you want.
If you are not already one of the 7,500+ members of Downpatrick Credit Union, talk to us about how to open an account today. You can call in to our Market Street office, telephone us on 028 44 614174 or to find out everything about Downpatrick Credit Union by visiting our website – downpatrickcu.com |
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| Members Hamper Draw |
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Downpatrick Credit Union members were asked to purchase a ticket (or several!) for this years members Christmas Hamper Draw. All money raised will be donated to Rainbows who provide support to children with life threatening and/or limiting conditions and their families.
We put together the hampers from donations from several businesses in the town, which we are extremely thankful to. Please click here for a list of all those who very kindly made a donation to the draw.
There were two hampers to be won, both filled with an array of goodies for Christmas.
The two lucky winners were Mary Crowe and Tommy McKeating, and Niall McNeill won a Teddy Bear which was kindly donated by one of our members.
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| Slieve Donard Climb |
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On Sunday 11th July 2010, staff members of Downpatrick Credit Union climbed Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain in order to raise money for PIPS Project.
For more information and photos from our climb, please click this link.
Pictured right are CU officials Stephanie Phillips, Donna Rea and Philip Blair presenting the cheque for £1,400 to PIPS co-founder Jo Murphy.
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