Leading charity, Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has been working with NatWest providing intensive training to 1,000 advisers from the bank's customer service officers who are completely service oriented and not linked to selling products. From 13 December 2008, these advisers will be on hand to impart guidance to customers across the country on a wide range of money management questions, including;

• Guidance on basic budgets and budgeting skills
• Help with prioritising outgoings and expenses
• Working with customers on savings plans
• General, impartial guidance on how financial products work

The UK-wide launch builds on a successful MoneySense project completed in Manchester in May 2008 and a pilot in five branches in London over the last eight weeks. The pilot saw advisers offering money guidance to hundreds of customers ranging from students to families and business people.

The MoneySense advisers were nominated for the roles by their region, based on their exceptional service-oriented skills. These 1,000 advisers went on independent training with leading debt charity, Consumer Credit Counselling Service to prepare them for their new roles. In total, the 1,000 MoneySense advisers across the country will have undergone 8,000 hours of bespoke training on offering impartial financial guidance to customers. These roles are completely focused on helpful guidance and are not linked to endorsing or selling products.

Local Help on Money Matters

Carol Simpson, who has been retired for two years found herself on a relatively tight budget. Carol met with MoneySense adviser Elaine Parker in her local NatWest branch.

Carol said: "With a change in my circumstances it has been a while since I revised how I'm managing my budget. To be honest, I am still managing my money as I did when I was working. As well as drawing up a new budget, Elaine suggested I look into benefits like winter fuel allowance and a free bus pass which I had not considered. I'm really glad this service was offered to me. I've realised I had standing orders for subscriptions I no longer use and that has helped me save a little something I can put towards Christmas presents for my eight grandchildren."

MoneySense TV Campaign

To heighten awareness of independent money guidance available and underlining the commitment NatWest has made in this area, the Bank has made a significant investment in a television advertising campaign, shot in branches using MoneySense advisers and real customers to illustrate the help available. This will air for the first time on the 12th December.