ombudsman and parents with young children
With the average cost of bringing up a child estimated at £186,000, becoming a parent can involve real financial challenges and difficulties. So it's important that parents know about their rights as consumers to use the free independent ombudsman service – in the event of a dispute with a bank, insurance company or finance firm.
our work with the media
- Mum's survival guide – a free quarterly magazine with features to fit in with the hectic life of a mum
– Got your hands full?
- Family Health – distributed to sports and fitness centres across the UK:
– getting your finances into shape
- Every Child Matters
the ombudsman features in Every Child Matters – the official publication of the National Association of Head Teachers – sent every year to all parents with children in key-stage one education
- Camping and Caravanning / Caravan Talk
working in partnership with Camping and Caravanning magazine and leading website Caravan Talk, the ombudsman provides tips and advice for the estimated one million caravaners across the UK:
– insurance advice from ombudsman
– money matters
– top tips on financial problems
- Money Saving Expert
the ombudsman service is regularly name-checked by consumer-champion, Martin Lewis – and featured on his Money Saving Expert website
out and about
Each year the ombudsman takes part in a range of family-focused activities across the UK – from multi-cultural melas and carnivals to careers days and community events. These include:
- taking part in the Caravan & Motorhome show at Birmingham NEC – attracting younger families who are increasingly taking camping and caravanning holidays
- meeting consumers as part of BBC Rip Off Britain's weekend event at Manchester's Trafford shopping mall
- meeting families at the Belfast multi-cultural mela, the Coventry Caribbean festival and the Black History Month celebrations on London's South Bank
- taking part in The Gadget Show Live (following coverage on the popular TV show – highlighting how the ombudsman can help with gadget insurance problems)
This is part of the ombudsman's commitment to outreach work with specific groups of consumers who use the ombudsman less and have lower levels of awareness of the service.
