The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) confirmed this week that they have allocated Government Growth Fund monies to Cumbria’s DRAMA project to assist in tackling financial exclusion in the county.

DRAMA (Debt Recovery And Money Advice) is an exciting new project in Cumbria providing immediate access to affordable loans to people on low incomes. Six credit union partners across Cumbria will deliver the financial support, while the lead organisation for the scheme is Derwent & Solway Housing Association, a member of Harvest Housing Group, who will provide a dedicated project co-ordinator for the project.

Robert Porter, Director of Derwent & Solway Housing Association said:

“The DRAMA project is the enabling, coordination and management vehicle for the successful allocation of loans and money advice. Our successful bid to the DWP is the result of over 18-months work by the DRAMA partnership which includes the Credit Unions, other local housing associations and local government and we’re delighted we can now take this project forward.”

The DWP were particularly impressed by the coordinated partnership approach taken by the DRAMA team and are keen to support the growth and development of the Credit Union programme across Cumbria.

The funding will enable DRAMA to provide £300k of affordable loans to people on low incomes, along with capital and revenue funding to deliver the project over an initial 12-month period.

For more information on the DRAMA project please contact Peter Jackson on 0161 248 2329 or peter.jackson@harvesthousing.org.uk