At one of many events held around the world, East Sussex Credit Union used the globally celebrated day to launch the Friends of the Credit Union in Brighton.

The scheme recognises organisations and individuals who have publicly committed to helping the ‘people’s bank’ grow through direct support or by raising awareness of its services to their own members and networks.

Simon Burgess, Labour & Co-op candidate for Brighton Kemptown, was one of the founder members of the East Sussex Credit Union back in 2001. He said:
"We set up the credit union after organising a Sussex Debt Conference that brought together churches, charities, advice agencies and council officers. We looked at debt from the local to the international. Setting up a credit union to tackle loan sharks was a priority and it is great to see how it has grown over the last eight years.

"I'm pleased that so many, including Government minister Helen Goodman MP, the representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and community leaders from across the county, celebrated International Credit Union day with the launch of a new initiative to showcase the strength of support it has from partners."

The event comes at an important time for the Credit Union. Membership has grown quickly over the last three months, with over 200 new members.

New members include many from East Sussex County Council which now allows staff to save through payroll. Members’ savings in September topped £500,000 for the first time.

October also sees the launch of Progress, a new IT system making it much easier for members to access savings and loans online.

Mr Burgess said:
“It's simple - loan sharks hate credit unions. Supporting the Credit Union is a great way to make a positive difference in the local community.”

For more information about the East Sussex Credit Union contact General Manager Colin Holden: 01273 234833