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Welcome To issue 4 of Mutual magazine
As we dive into another busy day, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on how we closed 2024 and embarked on a promising new year...
Pausing briefly to ponder, I feel immense pride in how we, as an organisation, continue to uphold our mutual values and strengthen the bond we share with our members. This year will undoubtedly bring challengesgovernment policy changes, potential base rate reductions, and the persistent rise in the cost of living will present obstacles for managing money and property.
Yet, our mission remains steadfast: we’re here to help you achieve your financial dreams, particularly the dream of homeownership.
Our commitment to the community remains at the heart of everything we do. I’m delighted to see the enthusiasm my colleagues have once again this year for supporting local initiatives. It’s truly inspiring and something we’re immensely proud of.
In this issue, we’re sharing updates on the local projects and charities we’ve been supporting, including news from Youth Talk and a blog from two of our branches. You’ll also find captivating stories from some of my colleagues and a fascinating perspective from one of our members, who shares his journey with finances and savings - an insightful and inspiring read.
We’ve also included important guidance on the growing threat of QR code fraud. While QR codes are now a staple in our daily lives, this piece offers valuable advice on spotting fake codes and avoiding scams. Additionally, we’ve covered email phishing fraud - how to protect yourself, identify suspicious emails, and what to do if you think you’ve received a scam. It’s practical advice to help you stay safe online.
This edition is packed with great content, including highlights of upcoming awareness days and weeks close to our hearts, and a handy guide to savings ISAs to help you make the most of your financial planning.
At Harpenden, we’re committed to delivering information that’s both useful and relevant. If there’s anything you’d like to learn more about - whether it’s online security, avoiding scams, or any other topic - please don’t hesitate to reach out to our editorial team.
And, of course, we’d love to hear your own stories and accomplishments. Sharing them in future issues is one of our favourite ways to connect with our community.
Enjoy reading Issue 4 and thank you for being such an integral part of our Harpenden family.
Tracie Pearce Chief Executive Tracie
Team Harpenden Building Society Great Big Walk for Herts 2024
Our colleagues Emma Brown, King Wan and Amanda Andrews dusted down their walking boots and took part in the Great Big Walk for Herts on the 28th September.
Our team were 3 out of 23 participants altogether and what started out to be a planned 13 mile route, soon ended up being a very tough 16 miles due to recent flooding in fields. A few detours were needed, luckily the weather on the day played its part as it was a beautiful sunny day.
Our team managed to complete the challenge and raised a total of £725 for Hertfordshire Mind Network.
The amount raised has been included in the grand total of £4,241 raised so far on behalf of the entire day’s 23 participants. All these funds will go towards a great cause helping so many children currently experiencing mental ill health in Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire Mind Network work across Hertfordshire to support positive mental health and wellbeing. They provide a diverse range of services from their eight Wellbeing Centres and other venues across the county.
Funded locally, their services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire aged 18+ and they offer dedicated services for 5-18 year-olds.
Their aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.
They are a local ‘Mind’, affiliated to national Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, and also Harpenden Building Society’s chosen charity of the year for 2024. This means they are an independent charity responsible for raising their own funds through contracts, grants and fundraising.
Scan the QR code to see more about the fantastic day our colleagues experienced
Thames Bridge Walk for Mind
On the 14th of September 2024 Isabel Hare and Estelle Head from our Leighton Buzzard branch took part in the Thames Bridge Trek 10K in aid of our chosen charity of the year, Mind, joining over 2000 participants. On the same day there was also a 25K walk which took in more of the sites of London.
The walk, which was 10.57km took place on a beautiful sunny day, starting at The Oval cricket ground. The walk took our team along both sides of the River Thames taking in sights such as Big Ben and the Tower of London, and it took approximately 2.5 hours to complete. As well as walking the South Bank in its entirety, the walk also took in the Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, London Bridge and Tower Bridge, finishing at Southwark Park with a picnic lunch and a medal for everyone’s efforts.
With the generosity of our Harpenden colleagues, friends, and family, our team were able to raise an amazing £430 for Mind.
It was a great experience, and our team would highly recommend the event to everyone. For more info on this event and others like it, you can visit their website www.ultrachallenge.com.
Colleague stories
Recording at Abbey Road
Take a read as our Senior Compliance Officer Emma Brown talks through her amazing experience of visiting and recording at Abbey Road studios.
Since booking my taster session with my local Rock Choir last September, I’ve been hooked. I signed up on the spot, and since then, singing with the choir has opened up incredible opportunities to perform at local events, from the Watford Winterfest and Kings Langley Carnival to the Herts County Show. We’ve even performed further afield at the historic Audley End House and participated in a flash mob at London’s St. Pancras Station.
But without a doubt, the most exciting opportunity that felt like a dream come true, was the chance to record at Abbey Road Studios.
Stepping into Abbey Road was surreal. We began by crossing the iconic zebra crossing, where the Beatles famously posed for their Abbey Road album cover. Once inside, we were treated like guests of honour, surrounded by memorabilia from legendary artists and orchestras that had recorded in the same studios. The corridor walls were lined with photos of The Beatles, Adele, Oasis, Lulu, and more. The atmosphere was electric.
We began our warm-up session in Studio 2, the room where countless classic albums were born. The studio’s famous staircase, leading up to the control room where Paul McCartney once posed, added to the awe. It was humbling to realise we were standing in the same space where some of the world’s greatest music had been created.
We gathered around a grand piano, right in the middle of the room - an unforgettable spot that had also been used for filming scenes in the most recent Doctor Who. The acoustics were astounding; the sound filled the room, giving every note depth that made everything feel bigger and bolder.
After a quick photo session and warming up our voices, we moved into the larger Studio 1. This is where orchestras recorded the epic Star Wars soundtracks. As we put on our recording headsets and heard the technicians' voices come through the control room, a hush fell over the group of nearly 200 excited singers who had been nervously chatting moments earlier. The moment had arrived.
Our choir leader raised her arms in anticipation, the intro music played, and the big red "on-air" lights illuminated - this was real!
We recorded several songs, starting with our main piece, "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane, accompanied by a live pianist, it was an emotional experience. I’ve included the recording here for you to enjoy, along with a montage of photos from our unforgettable day.
View the recording and montage here
We also recorded some of our more upbeat tracks with our Rock Choir backing tracks: "Green Green Grass" by George Ezra, "Loco in Acapulco", and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses.
Our day ended with a final photo at the front entrance steps, and as I stood there, it felt like a “pinch me” moment - an experience that I would recommend to anyone. After all, how many people can say they’ve recorded at Abbey Road Studios?
Now, it’s back to preparing for more performances: We will be entertaining tourists and Londoners in Trafalgar Square very soon. And if I’m one of the lucky ones chosen, next March I could be performing with the half-time show at the Saracens vs. Harlequins rugby Showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!
Emma Brown Senior Compliance Officer
Colleague stories
2024 Wolf Run
Think you can take on a tough mudder? Our Product Manager for Mortgages, Andrew Foster did with his university friends. Take a read as he talks through his experience.
On a balmy afternoon in September near Lemington Spa, I tackled the ‘Wolf Run’ with a group of university friends. The Wolf Run is a ‘tough mudder’ obstacle course; some of the delights include climbing over haybales, crawling through narrow tunnels, scaling sheer walls, diving down a 100 ft water slide, and swimming across icy ponds. While this may shock my work colleagues, I’m not a naturally outdoorsy person so the Wolf Run represented a serious test, and sadly my preparation consisted of a few lengths at the local pool and buying new trainers.
Many sections of the Wolf Run involve you clambering up steep muddy banks, so it helped tremendously to have more nimble members of our ‘pack’ who could race up ahead and then help pull others up as they grasped at any twig or branch to progress!
In this way the event rewards teamwork, and I would have struggled to overcome many of the obstacles without the help of my friends. Even strangers were lending each other a shoulder to climb onto at tricky climbing sections.
A notable challenge was jumping from a footbridge and swimming along a lake to the far bank; unfortunately, while my comrades took the plunge and jumped, I remained rooted to the spot at the edge of the bridge and simply couldn’t convince my legs to move; my primary concern building up to the event was the lengthier lake swim, not that I might baulk at the jump itself!
Thankfully everyone in my pack was gracious and understanding, as I sheepishly joined them having journeyed around the lake on foot!
Having tackled the other obstacles with varying degrees of success (except for carrying myself across a set of monkey bars; which are frankly impossible), there was a final opportunity to jump together into a sea of thick muddy water before the finish, the organisers clearly feeling we wouldn’t be sufficiently dirty by this point.
After washing ourselves down as best as possible, we decamped to the local pub for a celebratory drink, nursing our various cuts and bruises together in the later-summer sun.
We took part in memory of our friend Becky, whom we met during our time at Leicester University and who passed away suddenly in 2014, aged just 24. Back in 2015 a group of us tackled the Wolf Run for the first anniversary of her passing, and we decided to roll back the years as the ten-year mark approached. Becky was immensely kindhearted with an exceedingly bright future, and her unfailing positivity and enthusiasm remains an inspiration. For us above all, she was a wonderful friend, and I’m sure she would have been equal parts delighted and amused to see us all battling against nature together.
Will we keep the tradition alive in another ten years-time? Time will tell!
Andrew Foster Product Manager (Mortgages)
Colleague stories
Harpenden Rugby Club
Our colleague, Simon Darby talks to us about his volunteering at Harpenden Rugby Club…
Harpenden Rugby Club has been a part of the community for 105 years, moving to its current location at Redbourn Lane, in 1964. Although participation in rugby had declined in recent years, HRFC still manages to put out 3 senior men’s teams, a senior women’s team and has a large vibrant junior and minis section covering all ages and abilities, which bodes well for a great future.
How long have you been volunteering at the club for?
Since 2010.
What made you volunteer to start with?
My son decided that he wanted to take up rugby when he was 9 (he’s now 21) so we started attending every weekend and Wednesday evenings. Our age group at that time had huge numbers so help was already needed. My son was keen for me to help out and so with his persuasion, I put my hand up.
What does your volunteering entail?
I seem to struggle to say ‘no’ when it comes to the club, so when I get asked to do something, I will do it!
I started off in the junior section, qualified as a coach and then due to the fact we could never get a ref when needed, ended up qualifying for that as well at junior level. The then chairman also asked me to help drive the numbers up and get the club back to 3 senior men’s teams, so I ended up captaining the 3rd XV. And just because I didn’t have enough to do, I qualified to referee senior rugby.
For the last 6 years I have also been a part of (and then chaired) our National Pub 7s Committee which for nearly 60 years has run one of the best 7s tournaments in the country (I’m a bit biased) with clubs like the Italian and German national 7s sides as well as teams from across the armed forces and a few elite and social teams all competing together for the glory. I’ve now handed that baton on so this season, I have agreed to the role of Club Discipline Secretary.
What motivates you to keep doing it?
Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship. These are the core values of the rugby community and something I believe makes us all better people.
What are your favourite aspects about volunteering at the club?
The people. We are lucky to have a great collection of members, well over 1000, all with a primary purpose of supporting the kids and seeing them progress through the age groups and into senior rugby.
Grass Roots rugby is crucial for the survival of the game and whilst we don’t expect everyone to go on and play for England, we want them to have a great rugby career, be it running out with the 3XV, playing 7s or giving back and volunteering for their local club. However, we have produced more than our fair share of England players!
What is the most challenging area?
Apart from my fitness, it’s the people. We are all different. Everyone takes information on board in their own way and reacts to it differently. Getting things done at the club needs you to be able to vary your message so everyone gets to the same point.
Do you have a particular highlight or stand out moment that you can share?
For me, the greatest day was when my son played his first senior men’s game, and I was in the line-up alongside him, but there have been many other highs as well.
Last year, our team went to The Mount, a prison near Bovingdon where we played against a team made up of the prisoners and a few of the officers as well. Rugby is used as a tool to help the prisoners bond together, learn the rugby ethos and use that as part of their reintegration to society. Having spoken to the officers and inmates afterwards, they had tried many different sports for this purpose and rugby was the only one that worked. If you’re interested, watch ‘Grand Slammers: Inside HMP The Mount’ on ITVX.
What skills do you think you have gained from your time volunteering?
Apart from all the physical challenges (I’m getting old), it has to be the people skills.
Simon
Simon Darby Head of Information Technology & Facilities
Colleague stories Colleague stories
Leighton Buzzard Twin Mums support group
I set up the Leighton Buzzard Twin Mums support group in 2023, when my twins were still tiny.
Adjusting to twin-mum life is hard. Not just for having double the babies you planned, but twin pregnancy/birth comes with lots of complications, and often involves lengthy hospital/NICU stays for families. We were very lucky and were home within a week, but for many families it can be weeks or months of hospital stays.
It’s no surprise then, that mums of multiples (twins, triplets or more) have a much higher risk of developing postnatal depression & other postpartum complications. I realised that whilst we have the usual professional support from midwives/health visitors/Doctors, we often also need practical support or understanding from others who are in the same situation (not just unhelpful comments like ‘double trouble’ or ‘I don’t know how you do it’).
There are lots of baby groups in most towns, but very few cater for twins. It’s hard enough to get out (logistically), but most groups then charge ‘per child’ so twin families pay double but don’t receive double maternity pay.
We meet monthly on a Monday. I turn up with my twins, playmats and toys. The library theatre opens their bar for tea/coffee, and we hold babies, play with toddlers, chat to parents, and dish out snacks (lots of toddler twins descend as soon as any packet is opened - it’s like feeding time at the zoo).
I also work with the local health visitors and give them the dates of our meetings, and they send expectant/new twin mums to me if they want support or to meet other mums in similar positions.
We have pregnant mums and partners come as they have lots of questions – the most common being ‘what do you do when they are both screaming at the same time?.’
The trick is honestly just tend to whichever one is crying the loudest first and invest in some earplugs!
It’s so rewarding to help others, particularly those who are struggling and just need a bit of support from someone who has been there and can know what they are going through.
Behind the scenes for the Change and Check Campaign
In October I went behind the scenes at the ITV studios on the Lorraine show with Marti Pellow for the launch of the Change and Check campaign releasing the single ‘Love is all around’. I did this with the Change & Check choir of ladies who have suffered from breast cancer, raising money/awareness for the Future Dreams breast cancer charity.
We then headed on to Piccadilly Circus with Marti to film the tour bus going past when the film was being shown on the big screen as Marti was going on tour around the country visiting hospitals, offices and even visiting the Coronation Street set, whilst promoting the single.
It was a lovely day, and I met some fantastic and inspiring people.
Josie Gibbons Senior Underwriter
Janet Sheehan Senior Mortgage Administrator
Congratulations to Chelsea!
A massive congratulations to our Business Development Manager, Chelsea Pordage who recently passed her CeRER (Certificate in Regulated Equity Release). A totally deserved achievement after a huge amount of hard work. Another string to an ever-increasing bow.
All of us here at HBS are very proud of you!
Josie
MEMBER Story Stephen Slater
Our members are at the heart of everything we do here at Harpenden Building Society. They are our most important asset which we value above all else. We love getting to know our members more and hearing their stories, whatever they may be. In this edition, we hear from Stephen Slater, a long-standing member who provides us his advice when it comes to saving.
I have lived in Borehamwood for over fifty years from when I got married and I have been a Harpenden Building Society member since 2011 - when I opened a cash ISA with just a pound coin. The interest rate then was 2.5%. I am in my late seventies now, widowed and have three children, a son-in-law and two grandchildren. I also have a rescue dog aged six.
Thinking of everyday life, there will always be a need for an easy access account to help with emergencies. Emergencies crop up with car breakdowns, plumbing or boiler problems to name a few in the blink of an eye.
Some years ago, my shower pump broke down, so it was impossible to use the shower. A bath instead, would have meant using most of the hot water in the tank. I had the money but it was in a difficult account to access easily. It got me thinking hard about what to do for the future.
An easy access account was the answer for me and to save hard to ensure that this feeling of helplessness would not re-occur again. Interest on such an account is a secondary consideration when compared to being able to get access the funds quickly and easily.
Saving is perhaps a frame of mind. As I have said, I have three children aged between 40 and 49 so I would like to feel that I do know something about how hard life is in the 21st century.
Whatever you can put by and save matters, because even if it's only a fiver, you are saving each month.
Some banks have an easy access account that runs in parallel to a current account and if you bank online or with an app, you can transfer your 'loose change' to the savings account. For example, if you were to spend £9.81 in a shop, you can transfer the 19p 'loose change' across to the easy access account. Never think of it as just 19p. This adds up and six months after I started doing this, I had transferred £11 from the current account to the savings account. Now that £11 would have just got lost in the current account and would have more or less disappeared.
I hope you get the idea.
Have a story?
Similarly with a building society, if you operate your account online, it's easy to do a similar scheme. Gone are the days of the jam jar system where there was a Friday night ceremony of the correct monies going into jam jars to pay for school dinners, bus fares and pocket money for example. Perhaps the easy access savings account is the internet version of these jam jars after all!
Get in touch with our team to be included in future editions. We’d love to hear from you! Contact the team on members@harpendenbs.co.uk
Please see page 48 for more details.
Our charitable grants
Citizens Advice
St Albans District
Money Management Advice for Young People
100 VOLUNTEERS £ 4,718.75 GRANT FROM HARPENDEN BS
25 PART TIME STAFF
Citizens Advice St Albans District is a local registered charity and member of the national Citizens Advice network. The charity aims to improve the lives of local people by providing advice that is free, independent, high quality and confidential on a wide range of issues, including the cost of living, welfare benefits, housing, debt, money management and relationships.
A key area where the charity is looking to increase further guidance and support is towards money management and advice for children and young people across the St Albans District. Helping ensure this demographic are more knowledgeable and confident about how to make the most of their money for now and in the future.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the workshops you have completed in Y5 and Y6 over the last couple of days. The workshops were amazing, and the children learnt a lot. It was lovely to see how engaged they all were. Please let me know if you run any other workshops for primary as we would be keen to do more with the primary aged children.
“
Feedback from the first money management in schools’ session
The Children and Young People’s Financial Wellbeing Survey 2022* which was provided by The Money and Pension Service, indicates that there is a need for more support for young people to become more financially literate. Only a third (33%) of children recall learning about money in school and finding it useful, with nearly a quarter (24%) having received key elements of financial education at home. Only 10% report having received education from both, which would indicate a more meaningful financial education.
The findings suggest that children who have received a meaningful financial education are more likely to:
Feel more confident about managing their money
Disagree with the statement ‘I feel anxious when thinking about my money’
Save money more regularly Have a bank account that they use Have positive attitudes towards money
Talk about money
Demonstrate positive day-to-day money management skills, such as shopping around to compare prices and planning ahead for how they will buy the things they need
To help resolve this issue, the charity is delivering a series of money management workshops. To begin with, these have been delivered in primary schools for years 5 and 6. Long term plans include delivering workshops to older ages, youth groups (e.g. scouts and guides) and vulnerable groups, for example, The Daylight Club for young adults with physical and mental disabilities. These workshops have been so popular and successful that resources are likely to be exhausted with this age group.
The workshops have currently been delivered to 562 pupils, with a further 30 in a remaining scheduled session. There is also a waiting list of schools wanting sessions, therefore further funding is being applied for so that the programme can continue.
The goal of the workshops are to equip children with a small number of key tips and skills to improve their ability to understand money and how to manage it accordingly. The charity’s advisers are extensively trained in money advice, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and independently quality assured by the membership association Citizens Advice.
Our £4,718.75 grant will fund a project worker for 2.5 days a month over 9 months to build relationships with schools and groups, develop the delivery programme, coordinate delivery dates, and oversee materials. The initiative began in July 2024, with workshops scheduled for autumn, spring, and summer terms of 2024-25.
The grant will also cover travel expenses for the volunteers delivering the sessions, as well as help with the costs of materials, printing and copying. As a Society within the financial services industry, we are delighted that our grant will play an important role in helping future generations feel more confident about their relationship with money.
*Scan to view The Children and Young People’s Financial Wellbeing Survey 2022
Our charitable grants
The YWC program is designed to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable sporting opportunities for those with a disability in Leighton-Linslade, Southwest Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. Prior to 2017 there was only one sport on offer to those with a disability in Leighton Linslade. Rotary Club wanted to correct thisand launched an initiative to create a centre of excellence for disability sport in the area.
This budget will help increase the number of groups that activities can be delivered to.
Here at Harpenden, we are thrilled to be supporting such a fantastic local charity and look forward to seeing the impact that our grant will have.
GRANT FROM HARPENDEN BS
Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade
“Yes We Can”
Program
The Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade is a charity fundraising and social club in Leighton Linslade –Bedfordshire and is a member of Rotary International. With a complete focus on supporting the local community, the Club conduct a diverse range of activities from the May Fayre to the annual carol float, as well as delivering the largest inclusive sports program in Bedfordshire –“Yes We Can!” (YWC).
The success of these activities raises significant funds to support the wider local community and international projects.
Starting from scratch and against a severe lack of infrastructure, the program has brought together qualified and enthusiastic delivery partners to provide Football, Hockey, Tennis, Sailing and most recently Swimming in the form of the Otters Swimming Club. Since its launch, activities have been free to participants thanks to the numerous partnerships Rotary has created and grants that have been received. In addition, the program now operates an emerging Outreach initiative which is designed to deliver sports into disability groups within their regular meeting environment. YWC strives every day to provide the very best sports opportunities to those who need it most and covers all ages and genders.
Our grant of £3,000 towards the program will allow the Rotary Club to increase and improve their marketing activities. Firstly, this will help to ensure all those with a disability who wish to participate in sport are aware of the opportunities and have access to information about all the various sports on offer. Secondly, this funding will promote the benefits to the wider community including the opportunities that are available to volunteer and coach which exist within the program.
A portion of this fund will also help enhance the Outreach budget. It is often the case that sport is best delivered in an environment that the participants are comfortable in rather than a sport specific setting. Currently, sports sessions are delivered to three disability groups at their own meetings.
“ “
Yes We Can has literally changed my son's life. I had been looking for an inclusive club that my son could join, and I found Yes We Can, and I am so glad that I did. He has grown in confidence so much since joining tennis 3 years ago, and it has had a massive impact on his whole life. The tennis coaches have been absolutely fantastic with him, and so patient and he now has a real love for tennis. He really feels part of a family being part of Yes We Can, as do I. This newfound confidence has enabled him to build friendships within the program and also at school which is something he struggled with before. You have given him a new sense of selfbelief and I owe this all to Yes We Can. Long may the clubs continue.
Thank you so much.
To find out more Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade, scan the QR code
Parent of a YWC Member
Youth Talk as Ambassador
Youth Talk’s vision: Every young person can talk to someone who can help with whatever’s worrying them
Youth Talk's Vital Work
For nearly three decades, Youth Talk has been a lifeline for young people grappling with mental health issues. With the pressures of academic expectations, social media, and the everyday challenges of growing up, the demand for their services has never been greater.
David Barker, CEO of Youth Talk, says he is absolutely delighted about Phoebe joining the team.
Inspiring the next generation to speak up about mental health
Youth Talk is buzzing with excitement as Harpenden’s own rising star, Phoebe Gill, takes on a new role that's close to her heart. The talented young Olympic athlete has been appointed as an Ambassador for Youth Talk, the St Albans-based mental health charity dedicated to providing free, confidential mental health support to young people aged 13-25.
A Perfect Match
No stranger to ‘firsts’, Phoebe has achieved record-breaking success on the running track which saw her clinch 800m gold in the British Athletics Championships last June and reach the semi-finals in the Paris Olympics. Her captivating performances on the athletics track and her genuine interest and passion for mental health makes her the perfect fit for Youth Talk's mission.
“Phoebe brings such a fresh and relatable perspective to our cause. Her genuine commitment to mental health awareness aligns perfectly with our work.
Together, we can reach more young people who need support.”
Making a Difference
Phoebe's role will involve participating in campaigns, hosting events, and using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health support. Her approachable demeanour and authenticity make her a powerful advocate for encouraging young people to seek help if they are struggling.
"I want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health," Phoebe explains. "It's okay not to be okay, and there's always someone ready to listen at Youth Talk."
"I am incredibly honoured to become an Ambassador for Youth Talk.
Not all children and young people are fortunate enough to be surrounded with those who are willing to listen, which can be extremely isolating and dangerous.
Youth Talk provides such a vital service to young people by offering a confidential and non-judgmental space to discuss their mental health. I believe that everyone deserves to have access to this kind of support, and I’m committed to helping Youth Talk reach as many young people as possible.”
Phoebe Gill
Get Involved
As Phoebe takes up her new role with Youth Talk, there's an open invitation for everyone to join the cause. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support can make a significant difference.
Follow Youth Talk and Phoebe on social media to stay updated on their latest initiatives.
Scan to donate to Youth Talk and help them to continue providing essential counselling sessions Scan to visit the Youth Talk website
Watch Phoebe’s reaction to becoming a Youth Talk ambassador
INFORMATION
ISA stands for Individual Savings Account. Unlike a standard savings account you may have with your Bank or Building Society, an ISA allows you to save or invest up to a set amount (your ISA allowance) each tax year without having to pay tax on interest, dividends, or gains. With ISA season fast approaching, here is some helpful advice on ISA’s.
What is an ISA Allowance?
Your ISA allowance is the maximum amount you can save tax free during the current tax year.
You get a new ISA allowance every year, which is set by the UK Government. The ISA allowance for the current tax year is £20,000.
The tax year runs from April 6th to April 5th. ISA allowances can't be carried over from one tax year to the next, so if you don't pay in your full allowance before April 5th, you'll lose the rest of that year’s allowance. Anything you save into an ISA after April 5th will be counted as part of your ISA allowance for the new tax year. Use it, don’t lose it.
Types of ISA
There are several different types of ISAs, each one designed for a particular kind of saving or investing. The various types of ISA available include:
• Cash ISA - A Cash ISA is very similar to an everyday savings account except any interest it pays will be tax free. These come in a variety of different forms such as Instant Access, Notice Accounts and Fixed Rate.
• Stocks & shares ISA - Stocks and shares ISAs, also known as investment ISAs, allow savers to invest in a range of different assets e.g. funds, property or bonds. Any investment gains you make will not be subject to capital gains tax, income tax or dividend tax. The only tax that might need to be paid is stamp duty when buying shares. Unlike Cash ISAs, these can fall in value as well as rise.
• Innovative finance ISA - An innovative finance ISA lets you use your ISA allowance while investing in peer-to-peer lending (otherwise known as P2P). P2P lending is where you lend money directly to borrowers and businesses. The borrowers then pay back the borrowed amount, with interest on top.
The interest they pay is the return you get on your investment. You will earn this interest tax-free. The rate of interest can be higher for this type of ISA, however there is no guarantee with the money you lend, and you could get nothing back.
• Lifetime ISA - Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) can be opened by anyone aged 18 to 39 and is a dual-purpose ISA, designed to help those saving for a first home and retirement. The government will also add a 25% bonus to your savings, up to a maximum of £1,000 per year. The money you pay in counts towards your £20,000 ISA limit. You can only withdraw cash if you're buying your first home or you're 60 or over.
• Junior ISA - This works the same way as other ISAs but is specifically designed for children. You can open a junior ISA for your child at any point, putting away up to £9,000 each year. The money is locked in and cannot be withdrawn until age 18. No tax will be paid on the interest they earn on their savings.
Currently Harpenden Building Society only offers a Cash ISA account.
How many ISAs can I have?
New rules were introduced on 6th April 2024, you can now open as many ISAs as you want in a tax year. However, you still have the same ISA allowance of £20,000 across these accounts.
Transferring ISAs explained
An ISA transfer is the process of moving your savings from an existing ISA account to another one. This can be done between different types of ISAs, such as from a Cash ISA to a stocks and shares ISA, and vice versa. The transfer is co-ordinated through the new ISA provider to ensure that the tax-free status remains intact.
Transferring your ISA can offer several advantages:
• Access to possible better returns on your savings or investments.
• Merging of multiple ISAs into one account for simpler management.
• The transfer process is usually straightforward and handled by the new provider.
ISA transfer process
If you want to transfer an ISA to a different provider, this is how it works:
• Find the ISA product you want to transfer your old or current ISA to.
• Check the terms and conditions for any charges/penalties that may affect you transferring an ISA.
• Contact the provider of the ISA you want to transfer to.
• Complete the ISA transfer form they provide you with (this is either a paper form or online form).
• Your new ISA provider will do the rest and contact you once completed.
• Do not close your account yourself and transfer the money to your new provider, as you'll lose your tax-free status.
How long does an ISA transfer take?
The exact time it takes depends on your ISA provider and if they use a paper ISA transfer request, the process could take a lot longer. Usually, Cash ISAs can take up to 15 days to transfer, whereas stocks and shares ISAs may take up to 30 days.
Topping up your ISA
If you've got an ISA, you can top it up as often as you like so long as you don’t go over your yearly ISA allowance. How you top up your ISA will be fully dependent on your ISA provider. Remember, you'll need to top up your ISA before 5th April if you want to make the most of your ISA allowance for the current tax year.
ISA withdrawals
Before withdrawing any amount, please check the T&Cs of your ISA product to see if you may incur a charge. Any amount you withdraw is typically not taxable. But ISA withdrawals will reduce your annual ISA allowance (set at £20,000). When you withdraw from an ISA account, that chunk of your allowance is now used for the tax year. For example, if you are currently contributing £12,000 to an ISA account, and withdraw £5,000 before the end of the current tax year, your allowance remaining will be £8,000.
Rules are slightly different if you have a flexible ISA however, money can be moved in and out of the account without affecting your yearly ISA allowance, as long as it’s replaced the same tax year. Your ISA provider will be able to tell you if your product is flexible.
• Lifetime ISAs: If money is withdrawn early, you’ll forfeit the 25% government bonus that is on offer.
• Cash ISAs: If you have an easy/instant access Cash ISA, you will be able to take out money whenever you like. If it is a fixed Cash ISA, you can access your money, but you will most likely have to pay an interest penalty.
• Stocks and Shares ISAs: You’ll need to sell funds, bonds or shares to withdraw your cash – typically this can take a few days.
• Innovative Finance ISAs: This can be more difficult to get your cash back, as you’ll need to sell your investments.
• Junior ISAs: Any money invested is locked away until the child you’re saving for turns 18.
Blog Jon’s Savings
Building Societies and Mutualisman 8-track cassette in a digital world, or something quite special beyond big banks?
Demutualisation (where traditional Building Societies became Banks) gathered pace in the 1990’s, following earlier financial deregulation, and increasing competition within the Building Society’s traditional mortgage market. This led to mutuality, the core principle of a traditional building society, being widely regarded in some circles as outdated as they struggled to compete in a new environment being compromised by the size of their capital and rules regarding access to external sources of funding.
The irony is that when the 2008 financial crisis gathered pace, the mutual sector, not moving away from traditional principles, was generally much better positioned and was consequently able to withstand the credit crunch.
So where is this casual observer going with this?
Having worked in financial services for over twenty years, with over half working within the mutual sector, I’m a self-confessed stalwart of Building Societies and a piety of society (okay, I tried!).
And it seems like I am not alone in this.
Although demutualisation shrank the mutual sector, which as of yet has never returned to pre-demutualisation levels, there are constantly signs of improvement.
• We constantly observe with our friends at Smart Money People* that Building Societies are marked, by a material amount, better than banks in overall ratings, net promotor scores, treating customers fairly, customer understanding and value for money.
• Building Societies have outstripped in terms of net lending, with up to £11.7bn net lending for the first six months of 2024, meanwhile mortgage balances at other lenders increased by just £4.6bn. As a result, Building Societies, accounted for 72% of growth in the mortgage market.
• In the same period, Building Societies attracted £14.6bn in cash savings, accounting for 34% of all savings, along with holding 40% of all cash ISA balances.
• Previous academic research suggests that Building Societies, using mutuality as a foundation for something ‘different’, impacts how members perceive them. As such they are generally more trusted than other banking institutions.
So, when deciding where to place your hard earned savings, it’s possible to think outside the scope of the run of the mill banks and consider other alternatives to save your money. To help, I’ve tried to break down and summarise what options are available:
Credit Union - A financial institution that is owned and controlled by its members. It's like a bank, but instead of being owned by shareholders, it's owned by the people who use its services. Credit unions offer similar services to banks such as savings accounts and loans, but they are different in a few ways.
The main differences are that credit unions are non-profit organisations. This means that they don't make money to give to shareholders like a bank would, instead they use their profits to help their members by offering lower interest rates on loans, and higher interest rates on savings accounts.
Credit unions are also often focused on serving specific communities, such as a particular company or organisation. For instance, there is a Police Credit Union which serves current and former police officers and their families, while the London Mutual Credit Union serves people living or working in London.
Generally, they also have a focus on helping those with financial difficulties, such as providing affordable credit to people who may struggle to get loans from traditional banks.
Building Societies - A financial institution that is owned and controlled by its members. Like a Credit Union, it's a mutual organisation, meaning that the people who use its services are also the owners. Building Societies offer a wide range of financial products and services, including mortgages and savings accounts, while a Credit Union will focus on providing affordable loans and savings accounts to specific communities.
One of the main differences between a building society and a traditional bank is that building societies are mutual organisations.
This means that they don't have shareholders and instead, use their profits to benefit their members by offering better rates on mortgages, savings accounts and other financial products.
National Savings and Investment (NS&I)A government-owned savings organisation that offers a wide range of savings products, including Premium Bonds, savings certificates, and ISAs. These are special types of savings accounts that are designed to help people save money.
One of the main differences between NS&I and traditional banks is that NS&I is government-owned, this means that they are backed by the government, which makes their products considered as low-risk savings options and safe places to save your money. They also offer a variety of savings products to suit different needs, such as Premium Bonds, which is a type of savings account where the interest is paid out in the form of cash prizes, savings certificates that have a fixed interest rate for a set period of time, and ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) which are tax-free savings accounts.
So, there we have it, some options to consider when you are planning how best to save in 2025.
Jon Sweeting Product Manager (Savings)
*Scan the QR code to leave us a review via Smart Money People
From around ourBranches
Radlett
We are lucky to have a display area in our branch window which we can offer to local groups within the community to display and promote any upcoming local events. It has proven to be very popular, and we had some wonderful displays throughout last year. We’ve recently been promoting the local pantomime which added a great festive look to our branch.
Our Branch Manager Gill, along with other colleagues recently volunteered for ‘Small Acts of Kindness’ which involved packing ‘Warm in Winter Gift Bags’ which included thick socks, puzzle books, pens, soup, hot chocolate, biscuits and many more goodies topped off with a friendly personal message from the packer.
We look forward to welcoming new members to the Society in 2025 and to continue giving our existing members a friendly and efficient service throughout the upcoming year.
We said a fond farewell to our colleague Bharti in October who had given 6 years to the Society and we welcome Edward to the team who has recently joined us this month.
Radlett branch current opening hours as of January 27th 2025
We pride ourselves with giving a friendly welcome and service to our new and existing members. We also deal with our online applications and processes as do all our other branches working alongside our Member Services team.
We sponsored several local community events during 2024, and our last event we supported was the Christmas Fayre which was held on Saturday 30th November. It was a great day and start to the Christmas build up.
We sponsored the lights in the Memorial Gardens and had a Tombola stall. We raised £240 for our nominated 2024 charity of the year Mind.
We are looking forward to a successful 2025 serving our members and to continue to help and support our local community wherever possible.
The team at our Tring branch consists of Gill, Vanessa, George & Julie.
Tring branch current opening hours as of January 27th 2025
More by luck, than judgement. One of my first post-grad roles was with a firm of insurance brokers and I have remained in the regulated financial services sector since then.
What do you love most about your role?
The beauty of working in an SME is the variety of work you are involved in – it provides the opportunity for a true generalist role, encompassing all aspects relating to People and Culture. I enjoy the blend of “business as usual” alongside the more strategic aspects of the role. Mostly, I love the opportunity to work across all departments and have access to most people in the Society.
What are the biggest challenges that your role entails?
Like most people in the Society, being part of a fairly small team means it can be difficult to give time to all the things you would like to do. I have a giant “to do” list of all the things I must do, coming up against all those I should do or would like to do.
What do you enjoy most about working for Harpenden?
The team across the Society, joining at a time of growth and transformation, the mutual ethos and the general decency of everyone I have met.
What recent successes have you and your team achieved?
Last month, we invited colleagues to switch to a “salary exchange” arrangement for the pension scheme. For most this has resulted in income tax and national insurance savings. It was a pleasure working with the Finance team on this and I am delighted by the number of people who have taken advantage of this.
What advice would you give someone who was wanting to go into your line of work? Do it! It is a great way to be involved in a business and there are many directions in which you can take your career.
What are your goals (can either be personal or work) for 2025?
For work, I would like to find time to focus on learning and development across the Society. I would like to capitalise on the rich and diverse knowledge and experience we have within the Society, by starting monthly lunch and learn sessions from January as well as other development activities. My personal goals are the same each year – to spend more time with those I love!
What is something fun you like doing outside of work?
I wish I could boast a hobby, like sky-diving or axe-throwing, but the truth is linked to my answer above – my fun times are hanging out with family and friends.
If you could pick to have any talent, what would it be?
To have 36 hours in my day, while everyone else has 24. Perhaps that is a super-power, rather than a talent?
Who is your role model? / Who inspires you the most?
Super-organised people who work, systematically, through their task lists without getting distracted.
Do you have a favourite quote?
Yes - Alan Mulally, the former CEO of the Ford Motor Company, said “You can’t manage a secret.” It is the job of the Leadership Team to create an environment where people feel safe and confident speaking up. It is the duty of all of us to play our part in this. It is only by knowing what is going on that we can evolve and improve.
If you could work in one other department for the week at Harpenden where would you go and why?
Across the Operations team so that I can fully understand how we engage with our members, systems and processes. It would help me to understand more fully how the business functions from end to end.
Where is your favourite Holiday destination?
Barbados – I absolutely love it there! The weather, the culture, the food and the people all make it a special trip every time I go.
What is something unique about you?
Struggling with this one – but I do have a three-legged cat. Will that do?
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Being told off by a candidate who I had rejected following an interview because I felt “She was too experienced and ambitious and would grow out of the job quickly.” She accepted the rejection but cautioned me against “Putting my own values on other people.” This happened early in my career and helped me to dial down my assuming and dial up my asking.
Harpenden Online
Harpenden Online is a simple and safe way to manage your account(s) online, wherever you are. Register for Harpenden Online to enjoy the convenience of:
Account opening and access to our online savings products
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Request payments to your nominated account
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Update your personal contact information
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Securely communicate with our Member Services Team
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Get comfortable and start talking about mental health
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Time to Talk Day is taking place 6th February 2025 and is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, in partnership with Co-op.
They want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health.
The day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health and by talking about it we can support ourselves and others.
Why talking is important
Time to Talk Day 2024 revealed that nearly two thirds of the UK public put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health. And nearly half of us are less likely to open up as we don’t want to worry others in already difficult times.
Running an event in your community, sharing articles or videos, hosting a lunch and learn session at work, or asking others how they’re doing are simple ways to start conversations and show the people in your life you’re prepared to talk and listen without judgment.
Supporting someone else
If someone opens up about their mental health to you, we know it might not always feel easy to know what to say. But it doesn’t have to be awkward – just being there for someone can make a big difference. If someone does confide in you, there are a number of things you could do;
1. Ask questions and listen
Asking questions can give the person space to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. Try to ask questions that are open and non-judgmental, like ‘what does that feel like?’
2. Use positive body language and encourage them
Small verbal comments like ‘I see’ or ‘what happened next?’ will let them know you are paying attention to them and actively listening.
3. Don’t try and fix it
Try to resist the urge to offer quick fixes to what someone is going through. Just talking can be really powerful, so unless they’ve asked for advice directly, it might be best just to listen.
4. Dispel any myths and avoid clichés
Sharing your own feelings
It can be hard to open up and share your feelings. Whenever you feel ready, these tips might help you start the conversation;
1. Find a way that feels right for you
This could be a face-to-face conversation, or you might find it easier to talk on the phone or even write down how you feel.
2. Find a suitable time and place
Sometimes it’s easier to talk side-by-side, rather than face-to-face. You might want to chat while you are doing something else, like walking or cooking. However, don’t let the search for the perfect place put you off.
3. Practice what you want to say You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases like “I’ve not been feeling like myself lately” might provide a starting point.
4. Be honest and open
It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but explaining how your feelings are affecting your life may help others to understand.
5. Suggest things they could do to help
While there’s no right or wrong way to talk about mental health, their talking tips can help you have those all-important conversations.
Mental health problems are more common than people think and can affect anyone at any time. Comments like ‘Pull yourself together’ or ‘You’re just having a bad day’ are not helpful.
5. Be patient
No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time.
This might just be listening and offering emotional support or there may be practical help you need.
Join the conversation on social media using #TimeToTalk.
Scan me to visit the Time To Talk Day website
SAFER INTERNET DAY
Making the internet a great and safe place for everyone
The UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), established in 2011, is a leading global partnership helping to make the internet a great and safe place for everyone. UKSIC have created Safer Internet Day 2025taking place on the February 11th, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online‘.
UKSIC provide support and services to children and young people, adults facing online harms, and professionals working with children. Formed of three charities, Childnet, Internet Watch Foundation and SWGfL, they work together to identify threats and harms online and then create and deliver critical advice, resources, education and interventions that help keep children and young people, and adults, safe.
Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year they cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year, Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.
Over the years, Safer Internet Day has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar and is now celebrated in approximately 170 countries worldwide.
This Safer Internet Day, they will assess the real scale of this issue and allow young people to share their experiences and ideas on how to tackle the problem. They will build on the important work being done to raise awareness of topical issues and they’ll also consider the future of scams - answering questions such as:
• How is changing technology like generative AI going to impact the approach of scammers?
• What role can the government and internet industry take to tackle this threat?
• And what changes would young people like to see to help protect themselves moving forward?
Educational Resources
They have created a range of resources to help you deliver sessions for Safer Internet Day, whether you are a school, nursery, youth group, library, police service, or wider. These educational resources have been specifically designed to support educators in delivering messages about their campaign theme of scams online.
Safer Internet Day supplies free resources for use with 3-7, 7-11, 11-14 and 14-18 year olds, with each resource pack containing presentation slides, resources and activities.
There are also useful resources and advice about key social media platforms and apps, with guides for parents and safety tools to use.
Useful resources
Scan me to access the educational resources
Scan me for information about staying safe online when using social media
Scan me to view advice about key social media platforms and apps
QR CODES HOW TO AVOID A SCAM...
We’re familiar with QR codes now in our everyday life for products and services. From purchasing tickets or ordering food at restaurants, to paying for parking or just connecting to Wi-Fi...they have become a part of our lives for quick and easy access to websites.
QR (Quick Response) codes are like barcodes. When we scan them with a mobile phone camera, a link to the information they hold appears. Whilst providing us with a quick and easy way to access information, not all of them are secure. Cyber criminals can use QR codes to steal personal and bank details.
However, there are ways to protect yourself from this fraud.
QR phishing, also known as ‘quishing’ uses malicious QR codes to send users to a fraudulent website or prompt a download of harmful software that spreads malware or prompts the sharing of confidential information.
• Cyber criminals posing as real companies send phishing emails with a QR code and ask users to scan it. Then, they attempt to obtain information or spread virus-infected files.
• Another common scam is the false QR code stuck on top of an original one, like in restaurants or street advertising. False QR codes can even be found on parking meters, linking to a credible but fake payment site to steal money or credit card information.
• Scammers using inverted QR codes firstly create a malicious code and then use it as a presumed payment method. But the code does exactly the opposite: it requests money from the user. This type of scam is also used to steal personal information and bank details.
How to avoid a QR scam
• Before scanning a QR code, like in a restaurant or a public space, check that it hasn’t been tampered with or got a sticker placed over an original code.
• Installing anti-virus software for your device will help you avoid having a virus or other malware downloaded onto your mobile.
• Check the preview of the QR code link. When you scan a QR code, a preview of the URL should display on your device. Make sure the website address is legitimate. Look for a padlock symbol and an address that begins with “https://”. Only those URLs are secure.
• Think twice if the app or website you’re being directed to ask you to provide personal details. If it does, make sure it’s authentic.
• Scanning QR codes in open spaces (like stations and car parks) might be riskier. As with many cyber attacks, you should be suspicious if you’re asked to provide what feels like too much information, whether that’s on a website or in any follow-up communications (such as a phone call).
Protect yourself from email phishing
Email phishing is a method in which the scammer sends an email pretending to be a person, company or trusted site in order to steal passwords or sensitive information. Scam emails can become spam or junk and may also have a link or file attached for you to click on or open. Opening these links or downloading the files may harm your device.
How to spot a phishing email
• Were you expecting it? If the message comes from a person or entity you don’t know, think twice before replying, clicking on any link or downloading any attached files.
• Who sent the message? Is the email address what you expected? Check whether the sender’s email address is spelt correctly, the domain is trustworthy and, if it matches the name of the person who sent the email.
• Is it asking you to do something? Phishing emails usually ask you to carry out an action such as clicking a link, downloading an attached file, replying to the message or providing personal information. They often try to create a sense of urgency to look for an immediate and irrational reaction.
• Is it poorly written? Does it contain poor grammar, spelling errors or an unusual style of writing.
• Sense of urgency. It may request a quick response or a threat that unless you act now, a deal will expire, or your account will be closed. Or even trick you into thinking you've won money or a prize.
What to do if you think you’ve received a scam email?
• Ignore attachments and all links. Don't open any attachments unless you know they're from someone you know and trust. Don't click on links within the email - always search for the website or company yourself instead.
• Don't reply. Never reply to scam emails, even to say 'No'. This will let the scammer know that your email address is active, and they'll send you more emails.
• Think twice before sharing any details. Organisations shouldn't contact you unexpectedly asking for your password or for financial information. Never be pressured into sharing any personal or financial details.
• Double-check. If you get an unexpected request for payment from someone claiming to be a trusted company, look up their phone number and give them a call to check.
• Stay protected. Make sure you have updated anti-virus software installed on your device to protect it from viruses.
• Mark the email as spam through your email provider. This will delete the email and will stop emails from that address from entering your inbox in the future.
• Report and delete. Report scam emails to Action Fraud, then make sure you delete the email.
Did you Know?
Spear phishing uses personalised messaging to trick a specific individual or organisation into believing they are legitimate.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A PHISHING EMAIL OR SMS
Have you received an unexpected message?
Is there anything strange about the sender?
Are you being asked to share data, click on a link or download a file?
Can you verify with the sender, through a separate communications channel, that the message is legitimate?
Report it directly to the person or company, through their official telephone number, email address or website page.
Remember, think before you click or reply.
Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) takes place from 3rd-9th February and was launched to give voice to all children and young people in the UK.
3RD-9TH
Place2Be created Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) in 2015 to encourage more people than ever to help them reach their goal that no child or young person has to face a mental health problem alone. Last year, schools, companies and organisations took part, with more than 300,000 children and young people getting involved!
Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling, mental health support and training in UK schools. They believe that children should not have to face mental health problems alone.
This year, the week’s focus is Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, with the aim to equip and empower children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them.
Each year, they launch free resources for schools and families to help you take part in the week. This year they’ve partnered with Here4You, supported by The Walt Disney Company and the Inside Out 2 characters to explore their theme Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.
The theme will focus on how understanding who we are and what makes us tick can help us build resilience, grow and develop. Their in-school counsellors help children and young people in the UK cope with some of the most challenging times in their lives. By helping them get to understand and accept themselves, they start to build self-awareness. This allows them to develop the skills they need to cope with what life throws at them.
During CMHW, they want to celebrate children and young people embracing selfawareness and forming strong connections with others.
Why not get involved…
Make Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 the most impactful one yet!
Whether you're a school, youth group, individual, or organisation, there are countless ways to get involved.
From showcasing what makes you unique with an exciting fundraiser – like a dress down day, a bake sale, or a quiz night – to organising a school assembly or classroom activities, their easy step-by-step guide in the resource pack will help you plan a successful and meaningful week.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Host an event
Create trivia questions, set up board games, or organise a scavenger hunt, and invite your friends, family and colleagues to showcase their individual knowledge and skills while raising funds for a great cause.
Bake a difference
Showcase your baking skills and sell homemade treats to your friends, family, and colleagues. You could even decorate your cakes with positive messages or fun designs!
Get active
This could be anything from a sponsored walk, a running challenge, a dance-athon, or an office Olympics. Whatever you choose, get active and raise valuable funds for children’s mental health.
Own-Clothes day
Take part in an ‘Own-Clothes Day’!
Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to donate a suggested £2 and wear an outfit that expresses them, whether it’s your favourite outfit, a splash of colour, a traditional attire that celebrates your culture, or an ensemble that showcases your beloved hobby, we want to see your creativity shine. Get creative and express yourself.
Display a collection box
Use your cut out collection box to raise funds throughout the week.
Get involved in the conversation around this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week with Place2Be! You can find them on:
Scan to view and download their resources – for schools, for families and fundraising
Scan to fill out a form to get your free resource pack!
Scan to sign up to Place2Be’s CMHW latest updates
With over 1 million customer reviews, Smart Money People is the UK’s dedicated financial services review site. Smart Money People is where people can read and leave reviews for financial services companies. By reading these reviews, both individuals and businesses can make more informed decisions about who to trust for savings, mortgages, insurance policy, credit card, loan, or pension.
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We’re always looking at ways to improve our service for our members, so if there’s something you think we could do better, or would like to see more of, or you think we’re doing really well we’d love to hear from you.
We’d really appreciate if you could take the time to review your experience with us on the Smart Money People website. All feedback is reviewed by our management team so any feedback, big or small, will help provide us with valuable insight and ensure that we can continue to provide a personal service to you.
Sometimes it is often the small things that make the big difference!
Leave us a review
4.35
Here’s what some of our members have said about us this year…
“They took the time to explain account options and rates. Really great, friendly and efficient service”
“Pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable staff”
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“Always friendly, always helpful, always have time for you. Nice to have a personal touch and have someone to speak to if you have any queries”
“Most helpful regarding savings, with the customer at the forefront at what they do”
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A little bit of housekeeping…
In addition to any regulatory communication we may send you regarding your savings account(s) or mortgagewe deliver two categories of email communication to members…
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORIES…
We welcome our members to send us any stories to include them in future editions… send our editors any of the below:
• Any activity of your fundraising achievements
• Any volunteering or community support you have provided
• Do you have any advice you want to provide and inform to other members? Or any specific advice or content you would like us to talk about? Maybe protection online or digital advice… Send us your content, details and any photos or images… we’d love to hear from you. Contact the team: members@harpendenbs.co.uk
Or via post: Editorial team, Harpenden Building Society, Mardall House, 9-11 Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5 4HU
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Prize draw terms and conditions:
Marketing campaigns
• Can include promotion of our products
• Product launches and criteria changes
Visit Mutual section of our website
There is no cost to enter; simply complete the online feedback form including your contact details, or alternatively you can complete this form after receiving a service in one of our local branches. The email address or phone number you provide may be used by us to respond to your reviews, so we can further improve your experience with us, but will not be used for marketing purposes. One Smart Money People review will be selected each month to provide a donation to the chosen charity selected by the member. The £100 donation will be allocated by cheque on a monthly basis.
The closing date for completed feedback is the 26th of the month prior to the draw e.g. 26th January will be the closing date for the draw in February. The winner’s identity will remain confidential unless you give explicit consent otherwise. You must be aged 18 or over and entries are limited to 1 per customer, per month. Employees and board members of Harpenden Building Society are not eligible to enter.
