Heart Unions Week takes place from 9–15 February 2026, and for us at Wave Community Bank, it’s a good moment to reflect on the values we share with trade unions and the people they represent.
Wave was launched back in 2000 to provide financial services to everyone regardless of where they lived or their credit score. What started in Brighton has grown over the years, and we now support members across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Kent, Medway, the London Borough of Bexley, as well as members of Unite the Union in the South East Region.
Many of our members are working people, and many are part of a union. They care about fairness, security and looking out for one another — values that sit right at the heart of what we do which is support Wave Community supports Heart Unions Week every year.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen many of our members struggle with rising living costs and financial uncertainty and have seen the pressure that is put on their households, even for those in secure employment. That’s why we focus not just on providing loans and savings, but on helping people feel more confident and in control of their money.
One practical way we do this is through our Workplace Savings Scheme. The scheme allows employees to save straight from their wages, making it easier to build up savings over time. For many people, especially those juggling bills and family costs, saving can feel out of reach — but small, regular amounts can make a real difference.
We work with employers to make sure the scheme is accessible, ethical and genuinely useful. It’s not about pushing products; it’s about giving people options and supporting financial wellbeing in a way that fits around working life.
Heart Unions Week is about recognising the strength that comes from collective support. At Wave, we see that every day — in the way people save together, support one another, and choose ethical alternatives that benefit their wider community.
If you’re a union member, or part of a workplace that’s interested in ethical savings and support for staff financial wellbeing, we’re always happy to have a conversation.
Because looking after working people doesn’t stop when the working day ends.
Learn more and find resources here: Heart Unions Week 2026
