A NEW project to help the financially vulnerable with their debts, overdrafts and savings has been launched in Ealing.

The project, named do$h, offers free one-to-one mentoring sessions, informal community training and frontline staff training through a partnership of landlords and third sector agencies.

The key target group of do$h is tenants who are new to social housing or those aged between 18-25 who are in and out of work.

Ealing has been named the 61st most deprived district in England out of 326.

Deprivation varies through the borough and residents vary between the most and least deprived in the country.

Cllr Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for housing, employment and skills, launched do$h at Ealing Town Hall and the mayoress awarded certificates to community volunteers who had completed their do$h mentor training.

Cllr Tailor said: “With many residents struggling with the cost of living, including energy, childcare and travel costs, Ealing is committed to helping its residents make the most of their money so they can avoid getting into debt.

“Projects like do$h can help vulnerable residents develop important budgeting skills that can help them secure a better future.”

do$h is being funded by The Big Lottery theme Improving Financial Confidence. It aims to instil confidence and financial awareness in social housing tenants.