^{Our churches play a significant part in the South Manchester Credit Union.}

^{What is a Credit Union? A Credit Union is an organisation where people can save, and where people can receive low interest loans. It provides an effective service for all types of people. For those excluded from other financial services, or dependent on loan sharks, it gives them access to affordable credit. For others it may provide an opportunity for a holiday, or for a good Christmas. Others have used the Credit Union to purchase a car, or equipment such as computers and washing machines. It is important now because Credit Unions have not been particularly affected by the Credit Crunch. We are still giving loans. We are still charging the same low interest rates we did before the crisis, whereas in other sectors of the financial market loans have disappeared, and where they still exist, interest rates have rocketed.}

^{The part we play?}

^{At St. Peter's church we host a collection point on a Thursday morning, manned by members of the church. It has allowed us to build a relationship with many people in our community we would otherwise never have met.}

^{Many church members have benefited hugely from being members of the Credit Union themselves.}

^{Members of the church are on the board of Directors of the Credit Union, one is the chair. Others are on other key committees.}

^{All these roles have proved very fulfilling, with a sense we are making a real concrete difference to our community and south Manchester, the Credit Union now having over 1500 members. If you want to know more, or might be interested in joining, you are welcome to phone the church number, or phone the office of the Credit Union on 0161 448 0200.}