Stephen has praised Greg Ashby and Jerry During, the co-founders of MoneyA&E, after they were awarded MBEs for services to Disadvantaged People and Social Enterprise in the New Years Honours list.
MoneyA&E - which began in 2011 - provides a free expert one-to-one debt, benefits and money advice service. It also offers money management workshops for young people and adults to build long-term financial resilience.
Greg and Jerry were inspired to set up MoneyA&E by their experiences of debt and exclusion when growing up in Newham. The pair were motivated to become money advisors after observing that East London had few organisation which helped residents effectively manage their money. Thanks to their efforts, MoneyA+E’s service reached 1,629 people last year, supporting individuals to manage £2.7 million of debt. They also put £526,000 back into the pockets of those struggling financially.
Speaking about the honours, Stephen, who is a member of MoneyA&E’s advisory board, said: “I am delighted that Jerry and Greg have been honoured in the New Year list. Their awards are well deserved, reflecting hard work and tireless commitment.
“Recognising a pressing need, they have built MoneyA&E from scratch into an institution benefiting our whole community. The MBEs are a feather in Newham’s cap too.”