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Currently, GCS only operates in the Glasgow area. From a base of around 200
customers at the end of the first year of operation, GCS now has in the
region of 1,300 clients. In the twelve months ended 31st July 2008, the
Glasgow office recorded 25,656 transactions.
Of
those using the GCS Glasgow facility, 71% are male and 29% female. The vast
majority of customers fall within the 26-65 age group (96%), with 3.25%
being between 16 to 25 years of age, and 0.75% being over 65. The customers’
funds come from a number of sources – DSS payments (68%), wages (19%), tax
credits (9%) and miscellaneous payments (4%).
Individuals and groups directly benefiting from GCS’s services include:
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Benefit claimants, including those on disability
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Homeless people
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Ex-offenders (including prisoners moving back into the community)
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Refugees and asylum-seekers
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Immigrant workers
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Pensioners
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People with mental health and addiction problems.
A
wide range of organisations in the statutory and voluntary sectors refer
clients to GCS, valuing the element of financial security and planning the
service provides. Often, the clients’ links to GCS are incorporated as an
integral part of their personal development plans.
GCS
has also developed strong links with carers, thus enabling services to be
offered through them to individuals whose condition prevents them attending
the bank branch in person. |
