Young People Lead Powerful New Film Tapped to Tackle Illegal Money Lending

10/04/2026

A group of organisations, led by Kingdom Community Bank, collaborated to develop the film and toolkit with young people.

A powerful new youth-led film and education resource, Tapped, has officially launched in Dunfermline, with Kingdom Community Bank supporting a collaborative effort to tackle the hidden harms of illegal money lending and empower young people to make safer financial choices.

The project culminated in a celebratory launch event at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, on Tuesday 17 March 2026, where guests gathered to watch the premiere screening of the Tapped film, alongside a supporting film and short documentary capturing both the risks of loan sharks and the creative journey of the young people involved.

Developed by a cohort of 12 young people from Dunfermline secondary schools, Tapped is the result of a dynamic, multi-agency collaboration that placed youth voices at the heart of the creative process.

The film forms the centrepiece of a wider educational programme designed for schools, youth workers, and community educators. Accompanied by a comprehensive toolkit of lesson plans, discussion guides, and digital resources, the programme aims to raise awareness of financial exploitation, build resilience, and encourage informed decision-making around credit and debt.

The initiative responds to growing concerns around illegal money lending across Scotland. By equipping young people with knowledge and practical tools, the project aims to prevent financial harm and promote safer alternatives such as credit unions.

The project is led by Kingdom Community Bank, in partnership with the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU), City of Dunfermline Area Committee, and Fife Voluntary Action.

While delivery has been focused locally within Dunfermline, the completed film and educational resources will now be made freely available across Fife and nationally via established partner networks and platforms, ensuring long-term impact and reach.

John Pollock from Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit, said: “Illegal money lending devastates lives and communities, often targeting the most vulnerable. Tapped is a powerful example of prevention in action — giving young people the knowledge, confidence, and voice to challenge these harms and make informed financial choices.”

Sofia Dogan, Chief Executive of Kingdom Community Bank, said: “This cross-partnership project is about empowering young people with the tools and understanding to stay safe financially. By working together with partners and putting young people’s voices at the centre, Tapped highlights not only the dangers of loan sharks, but also the importance of ethical, community-based alternatives like credit unions.”

The film and toolkit can be viewed and downloaded at www.kingdomcb.org.uk/tapped