London, 10 November 2021: As the world gathers in Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Summit and just in time for Talk Money Week, the Money Heroes programme (created by Young Money and supported by HSBC UK) has just released a series of new books and resources focused on climate action and how this ties into financial education.
Developed for children aged 3 to 11, the two new books – Ed and Bunny Raise some Money and Super Stories for Climate Heroes – bring to life topical issues such as food waste, fast fashion, raising money for charity and how making small changes can have a big impact on the environment, and save money as well.
Russell Winnard, Director of Programmes & Services at Young Enterprise, says:“We know the positive impact that talking about money to young people as early as possible has on that individual’s financial capability. Money Heroes helps facilitate these early discussions in school and at home, and using relevant and engaging contexts such as climate change really help to bring that learning to life.”
Students at John Shelton Primary School in Coventry were amongst the first to enjoy the new books and activities, with HSBC UK’s SmartMoney Education team joining their teacher in helping students put their new skills into practice.
Reflecting on what they have learnt about sustainability and saving money, a Year 2 pupil said: “Maybe we shouldn’t buy so much stuff and think about what we really need”. Another child reflected: “If we have money left over, it can be used to help people who don’t have any or are homeless.”
Stuart Haire, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC UK, said: “Teaching children about money and financial wellbeing is vital, especially when considering how the decisions we make as consumers affect our climate. This new work builds on the support HSBC UK provides across the Money Heroes and our SmartMoney Education programme, which has been supporting schools in the West Midlands and across the UK for over 25 years.”
The arrival of these new resources comes exactly one year after the primary-age financial education programme was first launched. Since then, Money Heroes has helped over 130,000 children to develop their financial capability skills throughout the UK. The programme also offers free teacher training, in schools or remotely, to equip teachers to deliver high-quality and impactful financial education, and over 500 teachers have already taken part.
On the Money Heroes website teachers and parents can request, completely free of charge, copies of the two brand new books (one for KS1 and another for older KS2 children), downloadable activity sheets, and also listen to inspiring podcasts. This is on top of all of the other resources already available to help primary school children develop their financial capability skills, including other books, activities, a digital game and also a fun and engaging board game.
The delivery of the new climate-focused resources also comes during Talk Money Week (8th-12th November), which encourages families to discuss money to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money effectively now and in the future. The Money Heroes programme has also produced an informative Parent Guide to help families learn about money and make the most of the free resources on offer.