STRUGGLING TO SAVE? Empowering Norse Group Employees with Free, Impartial Financial Support

August marks Financial Awareness Month, a time to focus on better understanding and managing our personal finances. At Norse Group, we recognise the importance of financial wellbeing and want to ensure our employees have access to free, impartial financial help and support.

In this article, we’ll explore the resources available to you and share some top tips on making the most of your hard-earned money.

FREE, IMPARTIAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

There are numerous organisations and resources available that provide free, impartial financial advice for anyone seeking guidance or support. Here are a few options to help you navigate your financial journey:

Money Advice Service: An independent organisation set up by the government to offer free and impartial financial advice, covering a wide range of topics from savings to debt management.

Citizens Advice: A nationwide network of charities offering confidential and independent advice on various financial matters, including debt and debt management, benefits, housing, and employment issues.

StepChange Debt Charity: A UK-based charity providing free, confidential debt advice and support to help people overcome financial difficulties.

And remember that you can also access lots of practical help, advice and guidance from Health Assured and Wherry Credit Union.

Top Tips For Making The Most Of Your Money

With some planning and knowledge, you can stretch your income further and improve your financial well-being. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Budgeting: Create a monthly budget by listing your income and expenses to clearly understand your financial situation. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back and save.

Saving: Set up an automatic monthly transfer to a savings account to build an emergency fund and save for future goals.

Debt Management: Prioritise paying off high-interest debts first and consider seeking professional advice if you’re struggling with debt.

Discounts: Look for deals and promotional codes when shopping and take advantage of employee benefits and offers available to Norse Group staff.

Cashback Sites: Use cashback websites like TopCashback or Quidco to earn money back on your online purchases.

Free Trials: If you sign up for free trials for video-on-demand services, like Now TV, Netflix etc., smartphone apps and other services, and decide not to purchase the product/service outright, don’t forget to make sure you cancel these before the trial ends so you don’t get charged. Smaller, ongoing charges can become costly if you fail to cancel before the cancellation period.

Financial Awareness Month is an ideal opportunity to reassess your financial situation and take advantage of free, impartial advice and resources. By following our top tips and seeking support, you can work towards a more secure financial future. Remember, a little planning and awareness can go a long way in helping you get back or stay on track with your finances.

DIARY DATES:

1 AUGUST – 31 AUGUST FINANCIAL AWARENESS

Unlocking Potential through Inclusive Learning

When we think of ‘social impact’, we often consider charitable donations, volunteer work, or fundraising. But it’s more than that; it’s about making a genuine difference in our local communities. It’s about creating opportunities and championing inclusivity, enabling everyone to contribute to our society and realise their potential regardless of their circumstances.

One way Norse Group achieves this is through ‘Work Matters’. This crucial inclusive learning initiative helps young adults with special educational needs learn essential life skills and enter the workforce.

Previously known as ‘Project Search’, the Work Matters programme is a partnership with City College Norwich. It supports young adults with learning difficulties/disabilities and enhances their employability and life skills.

We strongly believe in the value of diversity and the strength that comes from different perspectives.

The ‘Work Matters’ programme supported internships allows us to offer work placements that expose participants to real-life work scenarios, equipping them with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in their chosen fields.

One shining example of the programme’s success is Lewis Wise, a valued Norse Group employee for an impressive 11 years and now works as an assistant print operative at Interprint. Having started his

Move aside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock; we caught up with Grounds Operatives

Jen and Darrell at Whitlingham Hall.

PLEASE GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR ROLE. As part of our role, we care for the grounds within NorseCare sites. Our day-to-day responsibilities include mowing lawns, maintaining flowerbeds, pruning hedges, trimming shrubs, weed removal and equipment maintenance.

If we spot any trees that need treatment or are dead, we report this to the Arborist team. If we have some free time, we provide additional assistance for customers. Recently, we cleared some bed areas so NorseCare residents could grow vegetables and herbs.

HOW DO YOUR DUTIES CHANGE THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS?

In Spring, everything starts to flourish, including weeds that need removing.

As summer arrives, we spend a lot of time cutting grass; unless the weather is hot and dry, as this can damage the grass.

Towards the end of summer and early autumn, leaves start to fall, so our time is spent clearing leaves, and we also start to prune.

Winter involves tidying and getting ready for bird nesting season.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING GRASS AND FLOWER BEDS LOOKING HEALTHY?

Mow your lawn frequently and avoid mowing more than a third off the height of the ‘sward’.

Keep your flower beds weed-free and mulch; if you have enough room, keep an area free to plant wildflowers, which support pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB AND WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?

The best part of working within Grounds is being outside and seeing nature daily. We are particularly fond of birds of prey and even have a monocular for bird spotting!

To work within Grounds, you need common sense, a good knowledge of plants and when to cut certain things. Teamwork is essential, and having a good partner helps! Finally, pride in your work and enthusiasm for getting your hands dirty.

WHICH GREEN SPACES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND VISITING?

Locally, Sloughbottom Park is very pleasant. If you’re looking to travel further afield, Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway, has beautiful trees and many statues.

Grubbing

IS WHEN YOU DIG UP ORGANIC MATTER, SUCH AS TREES, STUMPS, AND UNWANTED SHRUBS, TO REMOVE IT FROM THE EARTH.

Mulching

IS WHEN YOU PLACE A LAYER OF ORGANIC OR INORGANIC MULCH OVER SOIL AND AROUND PLANTS TO SUPPRESS WEEDS, LOCK IN MOISTURE, AND CREATE A BARRIER AGAINST WIND AND DIRECT SUN.

Aerating

IS WHEN YOU CREATE SMALL HOLES IN THE SOIL, TO ALLOW AIR, WATER, AND OTHER NUTRIENTS TO ENTER THE ROOTS.

The Group has received a RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award for working hard to ensure its staff get home safely to their families at the end of every working day.