Wave Community Bank is continuing its commitment to supporting local communities by helping young people not only understand money, but also explore future career opportunities.
This week, two members of the Wave team are out and about across East Sussex and Kent—meeting students, sharing knowledge, and building confidence around both finances and the world of work.
Inspiring futures at The BIG Futures Show
Jason Smith, Wave’s Business & Community Development Officer, is attending The BIG Futures Show in East Sussex on Tuesday 28th April.
The BIG Futures Show is the largest employability, skills and jobs event in the county, welcoming thousands of students from local schools. Young people attend in year groups to discover potential career paths, meet employers, and gain valuable insight into the opportunities available to them.
At the event, Jason is speaking to students about the role of Wave Community Bank and the opportunities within ethical finance. Alongside this, he is raising awareness of an important issue affecting many young people—loan sharks and high-cost lending.
For many, their first experience of credit can come through high-interest lenders, such as buy-now-pay-later schemes. Research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) highlights that younger adults are more likely to use high-cost credit, often without fully understanding the long-term impact.
By speaking directly with students, Jason is helping them recognise the warning signs of illegal lending, understand the true cost of borrowing, and explore safer, more ethical alternatives such as credit unions.
Building financial confidence at the University of Kent
Meanwhile, Jennifer Sutton, Wave’s Community Engagement Officer, is working with students at the University of Kent throughout the week, delivering presentations on financial literacy.
Her sessions focus on helping students develop a clear understanding of personal finance, including how to manage money effectively, make informed decisions, and build confidence in handling their finances.
Jennifer is also introducing practical budgeting tools, encouraging students to think about their income, spending habits, and the importance of saving for both short-term needs and future goals.
Understanding personal finance helps build a positive relationship with money—supporting students to spend and save responsibly as they move into greater independence.
Supporting young people beyond banking
Wave Community Bank believes that financial wellbeing starts with knowledge, confidence, and access to the right support.
By working closely with schools, colleges, and universities, Wave is helping young people to:
- explore career opportunities
- understand financial risks
- develop lifelong money skills
These activities form part of Wave’s wider mission to support communities through ethical finance, education, and practical guidance—helping the next generation build stronger, more secure futures.
