Members eNewsletter July edition
New beginnings this summer
Summer has well and truly arrived and hopefully, we will see an end to the lockdown this month.
Thamesbank has been active on our social media channels by introducing “Mondays with Mukesh” to create awareness on various issues like health, budgeting, and lots more. We have also had two go-live “Ask Me Anything” sessions on Facebook where the first one was with Mukesh Malhotra and the second with Sarah Gardner. They were both co-hosted by our board director, Taz Virdee. You can watch both sessions on our Facebook page. The aim of the “Ask Me Anything” sessions is to get a glimpse into the lives of the main speaker, get some hints and tips on saving money, as well as some practical tips on the main topic that they will be covering during the go-live session. We will be running more sessions so please be on the lookout for these.
We would like to keep all our members updated through the various Thamesbank social media platforms to ensure you obtain the latest news posted. If you aren’t doing so already, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for the latest news, information, and updates.
We will be joining forces with the ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ team and would also like to bring to our members’ attention on news of Provident winding down their doorstep lending service.
Thamesbank would like to help fill the gap that Provident have left – both ethically and affordably
On 10 May 2021, The BBC reported that Provident Financial has withdrawn from doorstep lending after 140 years. This lending has been reported as controversial, approaching people at their homes and relending repeatedly, sometimes putting people into financial difficulty. The BBC report:
“Its lending is legal and approved by the City regulator, but it has been controversial. Some campaigners regard such operations as “legal loan sharks”.
Thamesbank Credit Union would like to urge local people who have used Provident, or have friends, family or acquaintances who have used them, to approach Thamesbank first, to see how we can help. Loan sharks cannot be allowed to benefit from this, and local people need to be protected from illegal lenders at all times.
Read the full story here.
Thamesbank launches the ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ campaign
Thamesbank has joined forces with the ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ team to educate people about loan sharks and support those who have fallen victims of illegal money lending.
The ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ scheme is run by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) which encourages people to join credit unions, in order to save regularly or enable them to obtain legal, affordable loans, when emergencies arise.
You can get the tips on ‘how to spot a loan shark’ here
Watch the Q&A video with Thamesbank ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ campaign
This Girl Can
No one gets to choose how to exercise other than you. Your body, your call. Whatever you look like, we think it’s worth celebrating. This Girl Can campaign is funded by the National Lottery, and they believe there is no ‘right’ way to get active. You could jiggle, kick, lift, stretch, or sprint, it’s time to get moving how you damn please.
Please go on this Girl can website and look up on the activity finder, meet the girls, and even find the supporters hub area. If you are feeling inspired to take on the challenge of getting fit by cycling, for example, Thamesbank has recently introduced a Transport Loan for anyone who wanted to purchase a bike or other forms of transport.
Transport Loan
With rising transport costs, we recently launched our transport loan where you can borrow up to £5000 that is repayable over up to five years (60 months), where the interest rates will be commensurate with the size of the loan.
The loan will be applicable to any of the following means of transport:
- Powered Scooters
- Mobility Scooters
- Powered or Manual Bikes
- Motor Cycles
- Used Cars
- Travel cards
As Thamesbank, we are here to support you with no set-up fee, or early repayment charges. Simply complete our online form.
All applications are subject to eligibility and credit checks.
Get more with Thamesbank’s web app
With an increase of members joining Thamesbank via our new online platform, the team are keen to drive for a better user experience and welcomes our members’ feedback. The online platform will provide faster processing times for loans, account information, and share withdrawals. Even more importantly, members will be able to stay up-to-date with their account information and transfer funds on the go via the web app. Members can also invite their friends or family to join using this application too.
Members noticeboard
Thamesbank nominated for ‘Best Credit Union (South) at the Consumer Credit Awards
Thamesbank is very excited to announce we have been nominated in the category of Best Credit Union (South) at the Consumer Credit Awards.
These awards are to find out the best credit providers in the UK. The awards are determined by the customers and not ‘industry experts’.
Therefore, we need you, our members, to share your experiences with us. It only takes two minutes to vote. Please vote for us by clicking on the link and you could win £1,000 (T&Cs apply).
The voting deadline is 15 August 2021.