Canada Life (UK) announces today its partnership with ELSA Next Generation (ELSA), a Hertfordshire based, not-for-profit organisation that provides targeted and transformational educational programmes to young people.
The partnership aims to address critical gaps in financial capability for young people in Hertfordshire and help boost career-readiness for those from less-advantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
Canada Life will fund the development and delivery of bespoke interactive workshops informed by survey feedback from local young people and teachers to ensure the content is relevant and relatable.
Led by trained facilitators, the workshops aim to help young people navigate topical, real-world financial scenarios such as understanding payslips and planning pensions, equipping them with essential skills that help lay a foundation for long-term financial security.
In addition to assisting with the facilitation of the workshops as volunteers, Canada Life colleagues will also support career talks, work experience, and career-readiness mentoring offered through the partnership, aiming to help young people develop the tools they need to succeed.
The programme will be delivered through ELSA’s Get Work Ready initiative and made available to more than 2000 16 – 21-year-olds in Hertfordshire starting from the September 2024 academic year.
Antoinette Lee, Social Impact Manager, Canada Life comments: “We are really pleased to be partnering with ELSA Next Generation, who are renowned for their expertise in youth development, and boast a proven track record of success in reaching and positively impacting thousands of young people across Hertfordshire."
“Canada Life is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live, work, and do business. This partnership is a key part of our broader social impact strategy, which aims to champion financial inclusion for the most vulnerable and support our people having a positive impact."
Jane Shipley, Founder and CEO, ELSA Next Generation, comments: “ELSA Next Generation is thrilled to partner with Canada Life, a forward-thinking and inclusive organisation. Together we recognise the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge to create stronger and more financially secure futures."
“Through this collaboration we aim to fill the gap in financial capability – an essential life skill often missing from many curricula. This need is frequently voiced by the young people to whom we deliver our programmes."
“By partnering with Canada Life, we will be able to reach an even larger audience of young people, addressing this crucial life skill, helping them enhance their competencies and proficiency in financial management and resilience.”
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Notes to editors
- Less than half of children currently receive a meaningful financial education. Ref: Money and Pensions Service, ‘UK children and young people’s financial wellbeing survey: Financial foundations’, 14 June 2023.