Students from Exeter College were given the opportunity this week to improve their financial skills, knowledge and confidence as part of Barclays Money Skills, a money management programme running throughout the Spring Term in further education colleges across the UK.

Barclays and the National Skills Academy for Financial Services are working in partnership to develop the week-long series of money related activities that provided students with the tools they need to stay in control of their budget. In 2012, over 100,000 students participated in interactive money management activities based on topics of interest to young people such as food, fashion and independent living.

The packed programme of activities saw students across the college sites take part in small group sessions on budget skills as well as the popular lunchtime stalls that quizzed students on their understanding of the cost of a shopping basket of basic products. The Financial Awareness roadshow also challenged students to generate top money saving tips in a competition, with suggestions such as 'cut up your credit card' and 'splitting any earnings into categories before you start spending'. The roadshow also linked to the popular Valentine's Day theme with sustainable wooden roses being sold to students as a way of highlighting a fun way to save money whilst also supporting the going green initiative with proceeds going to the college charity NSPCC. The students sold over 100 roses and raised over £110 in donations.

“The roadshow has been really popular” said Hannah Burns, Student Welfare Support Co-ordinator, who has organised the week long programme with the colleges' student representative council. “We know that money matters to our students but this week of activities means we can help with practical tips that have real benefit for them and it raises the profile of the support that the college can give throughout the year.”

The Financial Awareness Week also gave the students the chance to find out about broader issues of wealth and finance. The Global Poverty project team gave talks to packed audiences over the week with the presentation of 1.4 Billion reasons highlighting to the students the issue of extreme poverty and inspiring them to take action.

Sarah O'Shea, Head of Safeguarding, Tutoring, Equality and Welfare said “We were very excited that Barclays Money Skills programme came to Exeter College. This is the third year of this successful programme across 200 colleges. It's a great initiative that helps support our work in delivering money management activities to our students as part of the wide ranging welfare and support programmes. Our Financial Awareness Week helps us to focus our attention on the important money management skills and the Barclays activities are very relevant and real now and we hope in the future.”

Chris Hearn, Head of Education at Barclays, said: “Building on the success of the programme this year, we're determined to help young people develop the skills they need in later life to manage money effectively. For young people living in the UK it has never been more important to learn these skills with the rising cost of university tuition and increased living costs. We are proud to be part of a scheme which gives young people the skills they need for a secure financial future”

Sylvia Perrins, CEO at the Skills Academy said “Last year there were clear improvements in the students' money management skills, with those participating in the intensive tutorial aspect of the project demonstrating strong budgeting skills. It's incredibly important to equip students with these life skills because it will help them take charge of their future and develop their confidence.”

Barclays Money Skills in FE colleges is run in partnership with The National Skills Academy for Financial Services, alongside Scotland's Colleges, Colleges Wales and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults, in Northern Ireland.

For further information about what's been involved in the programme please visit: www.barclaysmoneyskills.com/weeks