Debt
If you're struggling with debt, life can feel very stressful. There are lots of organisations that can help you - and it's best to approach them as soon as you start to worry. The sooner you ask for help, the better.
- Money Helper offers advice on how to manage money troubles.
- Gov.uk has simple, useful advice on paying off debts.
- National Debtline can help you over the phone or using live chat, and they are open in the evenings.
- Shelter provide advice on managing debt.
- Citizens Advice can give you reliable advice on both debt and benefits.
- Stepchange is a debt advice charity.
Barclays Digital Wings is a free online platform for NCHA customers. You can use it to access everything from debt management support to life skills courses and financial wellbeing workshops.
Legal help
You can access legal help through the Law Centres.
Beware of loan sharks
If you're struggling with money, it can be tempting to borrow from anyone who offers help. But borrowing from a loan shark can make things much worse.
What is a loan shark?
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders who often:
- Offer cash loans without paperwork
- Charge very high interest rates or add extra charges without explanation
- Use threats, intimidation, or violence to collect payments
- Take your bank card, passport, or valuables as security
- Trap people in a cycle of debt.
They may seem friendly at first, but they are not licensed or regulated – and borrowing from them is dangerous and illegal.
What you can do
If you think you’ve borrowed from a loan shark, you’re not alone – and you’re not in trouble. Help is available.
Contact the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT). They are specialists in dealing with loan sharks and can help you safely and confidentially.
- Call 0300 555 2222 (24/7 confidential helpline)
- Text 07860 022116
- WhatsApp 07700 102773
- Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
- Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk
Our Customer Accounts team can also offer advice on managing your budget. Contact us for more information.
The government is providing support to help you with the increased cost of living. Visit the Gov.uk website to see what help you could be entitled to.
