The Oxfordshire Credit Union (OCU) is a financial co-operative whose function is to help people with money management by offering a safe haven for savings and providing affordable loans. Many people borrow at very high rates of interest, sometimes as much as 200% per annum or more, and the OCU will in most cases offer a better alternative.

Membership and access are open to anyone living or working in Oxfordshire. The aim of OCU, which is owned and managed by its members, is to help the community, not to make profits. Members can pay in to their OCU account in many ways, such as by Pay Point or by deduction from their salary if employers agree to this (as will Oxford City Council and the Oxford University NHS Trust). By doing so they can immediately qualify for a loan, as well as being encouraged to save. A member not requiring a loan can invest to help finance the loans, thus increasing the OCU’s reserves and its ability to help others.

OCU can be contacted on 01865 777757 or by e-mail at info@oxfordshirecreditunion.co.uk, or visit their website