People helping people to help themselves’ is the motto of the credit union movement. The spirit of this slogan was recently embodied by the actions of the members of Medway Credit Union when it was staring oblivion in the face. Medway was technically insolvent. The outlook seemed bleak and the Financial Standards Authority (FSA), which regulates credit unions, had given it a year to reverse its £3,000 deficit – or close the doors forever.