On 18 August 2025, Barclays helped better equip young people with money management skills by running fun and dynamic budget games at The Avenues Youth Project.

Barclays, who have a local branch on Edgware Road, delivered the session to a group of 15 young people aged 10 to 16 who were part of the youth centre’s Bro Code and Girls’ World clubs. Located off Harrow Road, The Avenues Youth Project delivers after-school and holiday time activities for young people to discover new passions, skills and friends.

Barclays staff help young people play the Budget Game.

In a May 2024 survey almost two-thirds (61%) of young adult respondents did not recall receiving financial education at school. Equipping young people with skills in money management can help them avoid the cycle of debt and build a secure financial future.

The session started with an interactive Budget Game where young people imagined themselves as an adult with a family having to decide between different lifestyle choices, such as whether to buy a sports car or a more practical utility vehicle, and the implications this has on their budget. As players progressed in the game they had to respond to life scenarios, such as water leaks in their home and needing to pay unexpected bills. The session was a fun way to teach money management skills and help young people think about living within their means and saving for emergencies.

The group also benefitted from an activity on Gaming Habits. They were introduced to the life of a fictional young person ‘Max’ through a case study. In the scenario, Max was spending a lot of time playing video games and constantly asked his parents to buy expansion packs for his games to keep up with his friends. This led to group discussions about the healthy gaming habits that could help Max improve his situation, such as setting time limits on playing and telling a trusted adult if you feel anxious about your gaming.

Fifteen young people took part in the lively session that taught them all about money matters.

The facilitator from Barclays introduces the Budget Game.

The activities were arranged as part of our Community Programme which supports our business members to connect to local community groups. From environmental projects to skill-sharing to coffee mornings, there is something to suit every community engagement plan that creates memorable moments and sustainable impact.

If you are a Marble Arch BID member and would like to find out more about the wide range of community engagement and employee volunteering opportunities, please contact Phil at community@marble-arch.london.