Financial Capability

Empowering Communities Financial Wellbeing & Resilience

The Financial Capability Programme is dedicated to improving the financial wellbeing of ethnic minority communities across Scotland. Through tailored workshops and one-to-one guidance, we’re helping individuals build the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their financial futures.

Led by an award-winning Financial Capability Officer recipient of the 2024 Scotland Money Guider of the Year award the programme delivers trusted, culturally sensitive financial support to communities across the country.

Our Impact

1383

Over 1383 individuals have attended our 101 workshops throughout Scotland since 2022.

101

Delivered 101 financial workshops, directly engaging with 1,383 ethnic minority individuals across Scotland.”

100%

Achieved a 100% workshop delivery rate across diverse regions, ensuring broad geographic and cultural representation.
29 Individuals
Supported 29 individuals to maximise their income through benefits with a disclosed financial capital gain of £3,262.

Workshops

Workshops were delivered by certified trained money guidance practitioner in Money Guidance (City & Guilds Foundation Level), ensuring accurate and accessible financial information.

About

The Financial Capability Programme is a community-led initiative designed to address financial inequality and promote economic empowerment among ethnic minority groups in Scotland.

We deliver:
• Interactive financial workshops on budgeting, saving, debt management, and more.
• One-to-one money guidance tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
• Culturally sensitive support that respects and reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the tools and support needed to make informed financial decisions

With Support From Our Funders

The Financial Capability Programme is proudly supported by The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU) part of Trading Standards Scotland. Their commitment to protecting communities from financial exploitation and promoting safer financial choices enables us to deliver free, accessible financial education and one‑to‑one support to ethnic minority communities across Scotland.

Together we are working towards building a safer, more financially confident, and financially inclusive Scotland.

 

Awards

Scotland Money Guider of the Year Award

In 2024, the programme’s Financial Capability Officer was honoured with the Scotland Money Guider of the Year Award, a national recognition of excellence in financial guidance and community impact. This award reflects the dedication and passion behind the Financial Capability Programme and its commitment to empowering ethnic minority communities across Scotland.

Publications

Fair4allfinance: Levelling the playing field – building inclusive access to financial

Money Advice Scotland: Practitioner Stories

Podcast

New Podcast Introduction

Budget Announcement Part 1

Budget Announcement Part 2

FAQs

What kind of financial support or advice do you offer? We
We offer practical, easy-to-understand guidance on everyday money matters – like budgeting, saving, understanding benefit. We also run sessions on various financial topics and help to build financial confidence.

We do not offer debt advice, however we can help support and guide you to a choice of free, confidential impartial debt advice.

Who can attend your workshops or sessions?
Our sessions are open to anyone who wants to improve their financial knowledge, with a focus on supporting all ethnic minorities and communities of all ages across Scotland.
Are your services free?
Yes, all our workshops and one to one sessions are completely free to attend.
Do I need to book in advance?
Some sessions require booking, especially one-to-one appointments. For group workshops, you can often just turn up—but we recommend checking with the host venue or contacting us directly.
Where are the sessions held?
We run sessions in community venues across Scotland, including cafés, women’s centres, and local hubs. Locations vary, so check our events page or contact us for details. We also offer these online.
How long does each session last?
Most group sessions last between 1.5hrs to 2hrs. One-to-one sessions can be shorter or longer depending on your needs.
Do you offer online or remote sessions?
Yes, we can offer online sessions via Zoom or phone for those who can’t attend in person. Just let us know what works best for you.
What can I expect to gain from attending?

You will leave with practical tools, increased confidence, and a better understanding of how to manage your money and make informed decisions.

How will this help me manage my money better?
Our sessions are designed to give you real-life skills, strategies and boost your confidence and help you feel more in control of your finances no jargon, no judgement !
Are you materials translated or simplified?
We use plain English and visual aids to make our sessions accessible. Ins some cases, translated materials may be available please ask in advance.
Do you provide support for people whose first language isn’t English

Yes we can adapt our materials to be clear and simple, and we’re happy to work with interpreters or support workers if needed.

Can someone attend with a support worker or interpreter

Absolutely. We welcome support workers, interpreters or friends to attend with you if it helps you feel more comfortable

What topics do your workshops cover?
Topics include budgeting, saving, debt management, understanding benefits, financial abuse awareness, cost of living, banking and many more to help build financial confidence. We also tailor sessions to community needs.
Will I get one-to-one advice?
Yes, we offer one-to-one sessions where you can talk privately about your financial situation and get personalised guidance.
Will my personal information be kept confidential?
Yes. We treat all personal information with strict confidentiality and follow data protection guidelines.
Can I speak to someone privately?
Yes. If you prefer a private conversation, we can arrange a one to one session either in person or online.

Ready to take control of your finances?

Join one of our upcoming workshops or book a one-to-one session with the Financial Capability Officer

Get involved and get in touch with Financial Capability Officer:

 

Helen.mccabe@cemvoscotland.org.uk
Visit our website or download our brochure