Community National Bank’s Post

🏦 Nationwide's Commitment to Community: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Customers Digital transformation is reshaping the way we bank. But for the elderly and people with disabilities this often causes more problems than it solves. The massive branch closure programs introduced by big banks chasing ever bigger profits add significant fuel to the fire, making banking even more inaccessible for millions.   And that’s why all credit should be given to Nationwide, and its CEO Debbie Crosby, as it has extended its ‘Branch Promise’ vowing not to leave any town or city where it has a presence until at least 2026. This isn't just another banking announcement - it's a lifeline for vulnerable customers. Here's why this commitment matters: 1. Accessibility - it ensures that in-person banking remains accessible, catering to the needs of those who rely on it. 2. Financial Inclusion – it preserves the inclusivity of our financial ecosystem by preventing exclusion. 3. Support for the Elderly - many prefer a friendly face when managing finances, and this ensures they can continue to receive the personalized assistance they deserve. 4. Mental Wellbeing - keeping local branches reduces stress and anxiety, particularly among those hit hardest by financial challenges. 5. Community Impact - it upholds the vitality and economic fabric of local communities.   It’s not often there is cause to congratulate a leading member of the banking sector, but full kudos to Nationwide for recognizing the value of in-person banking and caring about the well-being of its customers and communities. #FinancialInclusion #BankingIndustry #MentalHealth #Disability Kathryn Townsend  Debra Ruh  Kamran Mallick  Mike Adams  Milan Šveřepa Isaac Harvey MBE  Kris Foster  Celia Chartres-Aris (née Hensman)  Jamie Shields  Alex Manners  Kat Paylor-Bent  Amit Ghose  Lord Holmes  Joanne Dewar  Derren Powell  Gavin Neate  Kate Griggs  Debbie Crosbie Spencer C. Penny Roberts   BankAbility  Money and Mental Health Billion Strong  Purple Tuesday  Alzheimer's Society RNIB  Disability Expo  Disability Rights UK  Inclusion Europe Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) Nationwide Building Society Image Description: A large billboard advert from Nationwide with a dark blue background and red text that says: ‘Hi’ Street. Unlike the big banks, we’re not closing our branches. Image courtesy of Nationwide.

In Ontario, 62 women and children were killed in 2023. Each month, there is a new terrible milestone where the numbers continue to climb. But important work is happening to address this crisis. Women United supports survivors in escaping violence, regaining a sense of security, overcoming substance use or mental health challenges, and reclaiming their independence. We do this by ⤵️ 🟣 Investing in programs that provide safe-havens and mental health supports for women and their children who are experiencing or fleeing violence. 🟣 Working with partners to address the core issues leading to gender-based violence (GBV). 🟣 Raising awareness of GBV to break the stigma and systemic issues related to it. By joining #WomenUnited, you will support vulnerable women and their families to make sure they have equal opportunities for a successful life. Become a member before March 31 and your membership will be matched by BMO helping even more women and girls in our communities. 💜 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4-q8paC

In my latest for the @Nigeriagrasnews ,I reported how one of the top banks in Nigeria, Polaris Bank Ltd. harass, transact with mobility Impaired teacher (customer) outside banking hall for 3 years. This is part of my disability advocacy turnaround stories. Please, like and repost to encourage me in digging more impactful reports. ILO Global Business and Disability Network Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability United Nations Disability Rights UK #inclusivesociety https://lnkd.in/eMpyj8pu

In Australia, 1 in 4 women have experienced #IntimatePartnerViolence (Our Watch, 2023). But violence isn't always physical. #FinancialAbuse is another form of family violence that can involve a partner, parent, or loved one. It can take various forms: 📝 Withholding access to your (or shared) bank accounts or money, 📝 Exerting strict control over spending, 📝 Applying double standards with money, e.g. giving you an allowance while they spend more freely, 📝 Coercing signing up for credit cards or loans or doing so fraudulently, 📝 Discouraging you from earning more, 📝 Forcing to claim benefits like Centrelink, 📝 Gambling away your or shared money, 📝 Refusing to contribute to household income. Financial abuse (or Coercive Control) often happens alongside other types of violence. It is a weapon used to control and isolate victims, often leaving invisible scars—and it tends to increase during times of financial hardship (like those we're experiencing now). Recognising the signs of financial abuse is crucial. You can find help and support yourself or someone you know through this platform by the NSW Government: https://lnkd.in/gX5FhffT If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, help is available. The Zahra Foundation Australia offers free, specialist financial counselling for women impacted by domestic abuse-related debt and financial hardship. Additionally, the organization provides programs, services, education, and grants to empower participants to break free from poverty and abuse. Here are other organizations supporting women experiencing financial abuse and domestic violence: 🌟 Arise Foundation Australia: Empowering and financially freeing survivors through initiatives such as no-interest loans, employment training, support services, and advocacy. 🌟 Women's & Girls' Emergency Centre (WAGEC): Supporting women and families in crisis-affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and systemic disadvantage. You can find support at: ☎️ Women's Information & Referral Exchange 1300 134 130 (9:00 - 5:00pm (weekdays) ☎️ Beyond Blue Chat online (Open 24/7) 1300 224 636 (Open 24/7) ☎️ Lifeline Australia Chat online (Open 24/7) 13 11 14 (Open 24/7) 🏷️ #RaiseAwareness #FinancialAbuse #DomesticViolenceAwareness #EndAbuse #GenderBasedViolence #BreakTheSilence #SupportSurvivors #SafeHomes #SpeakOut

We are thrilled to announce some exciting changes to our community support program, with the launch of P&N Bank Empowerment Grants (previously known as Helping &nds). 🤗💚Empowering People will assist and empower West Australians who are in financial crisis or have basic needs that are not being met. 🙌💙 Empowering Communities is a way for P&N and our customers to assist and empower Western Australian not-for-profits striving for equity and those working in disability and accessibility, mental health, poverty and homelessness, and domestic & family violence.   General Manager P&N Bank, Angela Newland said P&N was committed to supporting its customers and making a positive impact in the WA community.   “As P&N Bank evolves to cater to the changing needs of our customers, it's critical we focus our support in the areas that align to the diverse Western Australian community. We will give a step-up and bigger voice to not-for-profits that are striving for equity and give West Australians facing major social issues a helping hand.”   P&N Bank customers can nominate people in need or eligible not-for-profit organisations for the P&N Bank Empowerment Grants program via our website https://bit.ly/3Men24g #community #customerowned #inclusion #empowerment #grants

Individuals play a crucial role in addressing economic inequality. Here are practical steps they can take: Educate and Advocate: Learn about the issue and raise awareness. Advocate for policies that promote fairness and equality. Support Ethical Businesses: Choose companies that prioritize fair wages, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Volunteer and Donate: Contribute time or resources to organizations working on poverty alleviation, education, and economic empowerment. Vote Wisely: Elect leaders who prioritize economic justice. Participate in local and national elections. Financial Literacy: Educate oneself about personal finance, savings, and investments. Empower others with this knowledge. Mentorship: Mentor individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Share skills and opportunities. Challenge Biases: Recognize and challenge biases that perpetuate inequality based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Community Building: Engage in community initiatives that uplift marginalized groups. Remember, small actions collectively create a significant impact. #EconomicJustice #IncomeInequality #WealthGap #FairWages #SocialEquality #FinancialEmpowerment #PovertyAlleviation #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalEquity #InclusiveEconomy

🌐 Exciting News Unveiled! 🌟 Introducing our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. With 70 years since our founding, we know what the community needs: housing, services that empower individuals, and economic stability. Here are our strategies for making that happen. -Windows, Not Bars: 🏡 Redirect resources from incarceration to voluntary, community-based behavioral health services. Purchase affordable housing and reduce displacement. -Whatever It Takes: 💪 Challenge limitations, advocate for abundance, and evolve services to seamlessly meet community needs. -Rooted & Regional: 🌳 Build regional approaches with diverse partners, strengthen local systems, and nurture deeply-rooted communities. Join us as we break barriers, uplift communities, and shape a brighter, more equitable future together! #BACS2024 #StrategicPlanning #CommunityCommitment #whateverittakes #strategicplan #breakingbarriers #incarceration #endhomelessness #empowerment #prevention #behavioralhealth #abundance #rooted

“Helen Barnard, Director of Policy at The Trussell Trust, said: “More than two-thirds (69%) of people referred to food banks in the Trussell Trust network are Disabled. Poverty, disability and ill-health are closely connected, with people on low incomes much more likely to have long-term health conditions and to experience more severe health difficulties. "It’s simply unacceptable that so many people are left facing hunger and hardship that damages their health. Food banks are not the answer when people are going without the essentials in one of the richest economies in the world. We need a long-term solution to tackle poverty, improve the nation’s health and ensure everyone can afford the essentials. That’s why we need a social security system which provides protection and the dignity for people to cover their own essentials, such as food and bills.” #UK #UN