RAISE has developed a way for you to find your local credit union in the Liverpool or Merseyside area - click here and enter your postcode etc.

Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and great value loans plus they are local, ethical and know what their members want. Many credit unions now offer a range of services including a current account, benefits direct, ISAs and Child Trust Funds.

Each credit union has a "common bond" which determines who can join it. This determines who can become a member of the credit union. The common bond may be for people living or working in the same area, people working for the same employer or people who belong to the same association, such as a church or trade union.

There are more than a dozen credit unions operating in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, the Wirral and Halton. To help you find which one covers your area RAISE has developed a 'Find your credit union' page. You will be able to enter your postcode, city or borough name, or any part of the credit union's name and find full contact details including maps and opening times.