People First Credit Union: 'It is so rewarding for us to see progression'

The clue is in the name: People First Credit Union. "We are very heavily involved in the community," says Carol Murphy, their Marketing Manager, speaking on this week's LoveLaois Podcast as People First Credit Union have come on board to sponsor our new Transition Year Podcast series. "We like to think we are member first, they are our people they are what make our credit unions."Formed in 1969 as Portlaoise Credit Union, but more recently taking in branches in Abbeyleix, Stradbally and Athy to form People First Credit Union, it's an organisation that has helped countless people over the years. Whether it's for a student loan, a holiday loan or, in more recent times, a farm loan or a mortgage, People First Credit Union can be with you right throughout your life. Many savings accounts start with the Communion or Confirmation moment. "You see so many people that come back again and again and again because they might have been refused in other places or didn't meet certain criteria or whatever it might be," explains Carol. "You have had your loan and then maybe your daughter or son will come to them because you will start to process in the family. It is so rewarding for us to see, there is 'Tommy', he took his first car loan with us and now he is there with 'Nicola' and they're taking out a mortgage. Then they're coming in with their first child and it is lovely to see that progression."And she says that people dealing with their local Credit Union has the circular effect of helping someone else. "They are helping us by taking loans. You are helping other people in the community by trusting us with your finances."And they are quick to give back to the community too in other ways - their annual Community Champion award gives €10,000 to a local group; last year they gave €42,000 in supports through their Community Fund; they give a €1,000 scholarship to one student in each of the seven secondary schools in their Common Bond area; they have quizzes and art competitions for the primary schools and organise a massive careers night every second year for Leaving Cert students. You can listen to the interview in full with Carol in this week's Love Laois podcast as she discusses the range of services offered by People First, memories of her own first job and teaching her own children about saving.