HEY Credit Union, the not-for-profit savings and loans organisation serving the Humber Region and beyond, has assured its 15,000 members and junior savers that it is here for them, despite operating behind closed doors during the Coronavirus period.
The region’s leading credit union is still taking on new members, opening savings accounts and granting loans to members as usual, but using different contact methods. As an alternative to visiting a branch, members can get in touch via online app, email, telephone or the contact form on their website.
John Smith, HEYCU’s Chief Executive, explained, “Our branches in Hull, Goole, Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley, Withernsea and Scunthorpe are closed to the public at present, as a safety precaution to stem the spread of coronavirus. But the HEY Credit Union team are working hard behind the scenes to make sure our members can continue to access their accounts, transfer funds and apply for loans during this difficult time for everyone.
“If members’ finances have been affected because of coronavirus, we are encouraging them to get in touch; we are here to listen and try to find helpful solutions.
“I’d like to thank our members for their understanding and loyalty, and all our staff and volunteers for their efforts to keep our services running during these challenging times – the amazing feedback that we’re getting from our members shows how much they appreciate the team’s hard work.”
Financial wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing and so HEY Credit Union has come up with five tips to help people manage their finances successfully through the current crisis:
1. Seek out government help
The first step for anybody is to seek out and follow government advice. The government has provided a range of support schemes for people who have suffered financially as a result of coronavirus, whether self-employed, furloughed or claiming benefits.
2. Avoid payday lenders
No matter how bad things get, we would always strongly advise against turning to expensive, short-term credit options such as payday lenders or, worse, loan sharks. These people seek to prey on the most vulnerable in society and often it can lead to a debt spiral that becomes hard to escape. Remember your local credit union will try to help as much as they can, with much fairer conditions.
3. Speak to your creditors
If you are struggling to pay money due on mortgages, loans or credit cards, speak to your provider. They are likely to be more understanding in the current climate, and you can apply for payment holidays to give yourself more breathing space.
4. Beware scammers
It may seem hard to believe, but people are posing online as banks, the HMRC and even the NHS to try and scam people out of their money. Always remember to stay vigilant, and never click on links that seem unusual, or give personal details to anybody that you are not completely sure about.
5 If you can, save
Finally, if you’ve been lucky enough to have your income unaffected by coronavirus, now is the time to put away the extra money saved on transport and other expenses into a savings account. You could do worse than saving with a credit union which exists to support the local community.
To contact HEY Credit Union:
• Use the members’ online app (register or login at www.hullandeycu.co.uk),
• Telephone 01482 778753 (Mon to Fri 10 am to 4 pm) or
• send an email to info@hullandeycu.co.uk
