Law students help youngsters avoid debt

Advice on how to avoid the consequences of taking up offers of loans, credit and store cards will be discussed in workshops in addition to identifying ways to prepare financial plans and budget.

Having received training on money issues affecting 15-18 year olds groups of Law undergraduates will be working with individual schools. During the training they also learnt about the role the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) play in helping and advising people. International law firm Trowers & Hamlins also assisted them in some research and helped with a presentation skills session. Together with teachers, law students will devise presentations and workshops that reflect the current economic fragility by addressing money and financial issues specific to each school.

The law undergraduates were trained and supported by volunteers from the Exeter CAB. The Director of Exeter CAB, Steve Barriball said ’Delivering this important initiative will give Exeter’s young people in secondary school the opportunity to understand basic financial issues and to think more clearly about debt and money as they enter adult life. The project helps the Bureau deliver one of its major strategic aims.’

The law undergraduates will gain practical and transferable skills by working on the project as well as doing something worthwhile for the local community.

Trowers & Hamlins solicitor, Mathew Fearnside said, ‘Trowers & Hamlins are pleased to be involved with the Debt Literacy Project in association with the University of Exeter School of Law and Exeter CAB. We are also delighted to be able to assist the students of the Law School with the presentations they are preparing for the local schools.’

‘Addressing debt is highly topical and this project links into the current concerns about the economic situation’ said University of Exeter, Business and Outreach Co-ordinator, Julia Paci ‘As well as raising the levels of financial capability amongst school children, we also hope the project will encourage those thinking about their next steps into work or further education to consider law as a career option.’

The effects of the economic downturn are already evident and this project seeks to help young people avoid future money problems. It may also assist their families by providing relevant literature and encourage parents to seek advice in the advent of any financial difficulties. The project funded by the Exeter Law School alumni and supported by Exeter CAB and Trowers & Hamlins will run until March 2009.