Following Hoot’s 20th anniversary back in June last year the staff raised some funds and decided to give back to the community through a local food bank. James and Catherine visited Farnworth & Kearsley Foodbank.
Supporting food banks is a way that you can make a positive difference for your community. Food banks provide essential support to individuals and families facing financial hardship, ensuring they have access to basic necessities during difficult times. Through helping food banks you can support our local community.
Loan sharks are criminals that offer extremely dangerous ways of getting fast cash or an easy loan.
Some loan sharks may present themselves as a friend to begin with. Many people are not aware of the dangers of loan sharks. B has always been aware of loan sharks and the dangers that come with loan sharks. When B found out about credit unions B realised money could be dealt with in a much simpler way.
How B Found us
5 years ago B came across Hoot Credit Union at a local event in Bolton where anyone could attend. B became a member with us on the day of the event and was able to start saving with us straight away.
B is now a parent to 4 and has already started educating them about credit unions and how they promote saving habits.
Today B is still saving with us, and taking out loans when she needs. She has recently been borrowing from us to get a new car, which she pays for through her child benefit, so any money B receives is hers to keep.
“To anyone who is already involved with a loan shark or is thinking about going to one, there is always a safer/ easier way. You don’t need the hassle of loan sharks and the credit union is a safe, friendly solution.”
Here is a message from the illegal money lending team
If you’re in the unfortunate position of being in hock to a loan shark, please know that you’re not alone and there is help out there.
A loan shark is someone who lends money without authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They often appear friendly and helpful at first, but can turn to violent and aggressive behaviour to force victims into repaying the loan with huge interest and extortionate penalties.
It’s not always easy to spot a loan shark as they come in many different guises and will at first appear friendly, just part of the community. They could be a regular from the local pub, a parent in the school playground or a friend of a friend.
Loan sharks prey on people at their most vulnerable. Borrowing from a loan shark can seem like an easy option but often it will lead to a vicious cycle of threats, intimidation, and spiraling debts.
You will usually find these predators lurking in communities, but they also operate on social media, using dating sites and online groups to find, threaten and control people in debt.
What to watch out for
Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for that a lender is acting illegally:
Giving you no paperwork or agreement on a loan
Refusing to give you information about the loan
Keeping items such as your passport and bank card until the debt is paid
Taking things from you if you don’t pay on time
Adding more interest or charges so the debt never goes down
Using intimidation or violence if you don’t pay
Starting off by being your friend but quickly turning nasty
If you believe you or someone you care about, may be involved with a loan shark or suspect that one is operating in your area, you can seek specialist support from the Illegal Money Lending Team by calling 0300 555 2222. Alternatively email [email protected] or fill out an online form at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is also available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The green creature stole two sandwiches from legendary Bolton bakery Carrs before taking off for a celebratory dance outside local disco venue Bamboogy. Carrs Manager Joanne Sumner said: “He ran in and pinched two sandwiches!”
Not content with sandwiches alone, the green-meanie soon graduated to running away with a family’s baby from Market Place Shopping Centre – pushchair and all. Thankfully, these acts of Christmas were not an attempt to put a dampener on the festive period, but rather a marketing push from Bolton financial service Hoot Credit Union and their business degree apprentice James O’Toole.
Ms Sumner said: “They asked us to do it and we thought why not – a bit of Christmas spirit’s good for morale.
“He did bring them back!”
As well as the Grinch antics, Hoot Credit Union have been leaving secret gifts around Bolton for the public to find, which Hoot members can cash in at Hoot Credit Union cash desk for £10 savings.
Non-members can sign up to Hoot Credit Union to receive the money.
Mr O’Toole said: “I just wanted to spread some Christmas Joy across Bolton in a fun way that would interest the local people.”
“I had like 30 people or so come up to me asking for pictures and a few even were saying thankyou for spreading happiness around our local area as well which was great.”
Hoot Credit Union is a co-operative, community business offering ethical and affordable loans and savings to the people of Bolton and Bury.
Leah’s Journey to Finding Her Credit Union Community
Leah’s introduction to the local credit union
Leah encountered a major life transition in her early 30s when she moved back home to support a family relative who needed help. With this change came a small amount of inheritance she hadn’t been expecting, and she suddenly had to decide the most responsible and meaningful way to look after it. Through researching ethical finance options, she came across credit unions and what they do. Leah wanted her savings to do something purposeful, so she searched for a credit union in her area. That is when she discovered Hoot Credit Union.
Why Leah wanted her savings to create social good
When we asked Leah what drew her to us rather than a traditional bank, she explained:
“This money arrived at an unexpected period in my life, and I wanted it to sit somewhere that aligned with the way that I think. When I read that credit unions reinvest savings back into the local community, it just clicked for me. I wanted my money to help others and not just sit there.”
From the moment that Leah joined, she felt reassured and supported. She told us that the joining process was “simple, warm, and human – exactly what she was hoping for”.
How does Credit Union Membership strengthen her connection to the community?
For Leah, the biggest reward of being part of a credit union is the sense of belonging.
“I care so much about the place I live. Knowing that my savings help local families and projects feels like being part of something bigger. You don’t always see the impact when you put money into a bank, but with a credit union, you can actually feel it. Being part of my local credit union makes me feel like I am contributing to something meaningful”
Leah shared that she loves seeing local people supported through smaller loans, financial guidance and community initiatives. Leah has also started to attend local community events and even volunteers at a community cafe once a month.
Leah’s Advice for anyone wanting to make a more socially conscious choice
When we asked Leah what she would tell someone wanting to take the first step:
“Start with things you can influence – your money, time and habits. Where you save or spend makes a difference. People often think supporting local means buying from local shops, but it can also mean saving with the local credit union. That’s a real community investment”
“It is easy to only think that large charities make an impact, but local organisations often need support the most. Look around you, there is usually something close to home that you can help”
At Hoot Credit Union, we are a member-owned Cooperative. We are here to benefit our members and the local community. If you would like to join today all you have to do is work or live in the Common Bond which can be seen here. Once you join you can start saving with us straight away.
On Thursday the 27th November Chris, Catherine and James attended the celebration of Social Enterprise in Bolton at the Friends meeting house.
At the event we educated the public about Hoot and what we do for our Community. We ran a Christmas Chocolate hamper raffle at the event which was won by Jamila from Talkchanges! James filmed some would you rather questions all about finance and savings. Here is one of the videos on our TikTok.
