A special interactive play is being staged at primary schools in Sandwell to help teach young pupils about the dangers of loan sharks.
The play, called Too Good to Be True, is being performed for Years 5 and 6 as part of a collaboration between Crave Arts and the England Illegal Money Lending Team, known as Stop Loan Sharks. The first performance took place today (October 12) at Causeway Green School, Oldbury, but there are a host of others lined up in the coming weeks.
The project is being delivered by Crave Arts but is funded through money seized from convicted loan sharks under Proceeds of Crime legislation.
Pupils will learn what loan sharks are and why they’re dangerous, how to spot the signs of illegal lending, what the safer alternatives are and the importance of speaking to a trusted adult about money.
They will also get the chance to design posters to share the information they have learned, with prizes for the winning entries.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “It is only right that money recovered from criminals is reinvested to help protect communities and educate the next generation about the dangers of illegal lending.
“Teaching children how to make safe financial choices from an early age is incredibly important. By helping them understand the difference between legal and illegal borrowing, we can build the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves in adulthood.
“Big thanks to Crave Arts for bringing this important message to life in such an engaging and accessible way.”
The play will be staged at the following schools
- October 14: Blackheath Primary School, Rowley Regis and Pennyhill Primary School, West Bromwich
- November 3: Reddal Hill School, Cradley Heath
- December 3: St James Primary School, Oldbury and Ferndale Primary School, Great Barr
Stephen Wilson and Owen Harper, Co-Artistic Directors of Crave Arts, a not-for-profit company, based in Worcester said: “We are delighted to be delivering our school workshops across Sandwell from October to December 2026.
“We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, using money recovered from criminals. This support enables us to deliver important work that can make a real difference within communities, particularly by raising awareness and empowering young people.”
The IMLT is a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council that investigates and prosecutes loan sharks and supports borrowers.
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders who often appear to be a friend offering a loan as a favour, but they can add huge charges and use threats and violence if borrowers struggle to pay.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. There is a Live Chat facility on the website and the team can also be contacted via WhatsApp on 07700 102773 from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Stop Loan Sharks education resources are available through the website www.stoploansharks.co.uk/for-education/
