We followed Northern Community Bank’s Development Officer, Lee, for a week to find out how the community bank works with organisations across the region to build a stronger community.
Monday
Lee started the week with a regular appearance at Down Town, Burnley, who offer a variety of services for the community, providing free information, support and guidance across Burnley and Padiham
“I’ve always been impressed by the team here, who are genuine, caring and provide a relaxed and helping environment for all walks of life.”
In the evening Lee was invited as a guest speaker for the Rotary Club of Burnley and Pendleside. The Rotary club is over 40 years old and operates as a service organisation that fundraises to support local charities and community projects including the well-established Pendle Pub Walk
“I had the opportunity to talk about how Northern Community Bank supports all members of the community, discussed the synergy where both organisations operate purely to benefit other people and finished with a Q & A. I look forward to supporting their events in the future.”
Tuesday
The morning started with an invitation to speak to more than 50 local residents at Trawden Community Centre’s Friendship Group & Friendship Café
“A great crowd, bursting with knowledge and experience – where I highlighted how we could help not just the attendees in the room – but friends and family of all ages”
In the afternoon Lee reached out to community centres across Cumbria and Lancashire which he had visited in the past 12 months to discuss an exciting project for 2026
“It was great to find out about the ways the volunteer-run community centres are a life-line to many in the community, although we’re not ready to announce the project just yet -I cannot wait for us to help them support more people in 2026”
Wednesday
A busy day ahead. Invited to the Advocacy Focus team meeting at their branch in Burnley
“It was interesting to hear how the team at Advocacy Focus provided independent statutory advocacy, largely for people in crisis or for people who felt that their voice wasn’t being heard. Their ethos aligns with ours at Northern Community Bank; they’re driven to make a positive impact on the lives of people in the community. We talked about signposting and co-promoting”
After lunch Lee took the opportunity to host a stand at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce’s renowned Rush Hour networking event, held at the Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, to promote the benefits of Northern Community Bank’s free Payroll Plus scheme, designed to help employees of companies we partner with manage their money better
“It was a well-attended event, where I engaged with business leaders from across the region”
We’ve worked with several employers for many years, with new organisations seeing the value in supporting their employees through our accounts and financial education.
Thursday
In the morning Lee visited the Whitehaven Family Hub, Cumbria, to see Family Hub Team manager, Jess Stamper. Family Hubs provide a single place to go for face-to-face support and information. Services will vary for children from 0-19 years old, but at the heart of all family hubs are services for families with 0–2-year-olds, which give babies a great start in life
“Jess is responsible for five of the Hubs in Cumberland and we spoke about a variety of ways to work together to help people in the community including organising family funday events during the summer holidays and a regular monthly drop-in session incorporating other external partners.”
In the afternoon Lee visited St. Bridgets, Bransty, Moresby, St. James and Jericho Primary schools to deliver the Money Suitcases Financial Education project. The money suitcase is red (budget case!) and contains an age-appropriate book all about financial education, written by TV’s Dragon’s Den star, Deborah Meaden, a cuddly toy squirrel called Sammy (as we all need to squirrel pennies away!), an easy to understand explanation sheet, a book for the children to record what they have learnt and some delicious chocolate coins! The concept has been applauded as it is a great way of helping young people understand money, budgeting and wants and needs.
Friday
Visited another five Primary schools; Hesingham, Valley, St.Mary’s, Monkwray and St.Begh’s where the teachers explained that many pupils had little knowledge or understanding of money and the Suitcase project should help fill a gap in their financial education.
Overall, a productive and varied week in the world of a Development Officer and one that demonstrates our commitment to all areas of the community that Northern Community Bank serves.
