If you are struggling with managing debts advice is available whether your debt is big or small
National online debt advice services
These online services are secure, and you can get immediate, personalised help. Some services are available 24 hours a day.
National Debtline
- National Debtline
- Telephone: 0808 808 4000
Step Change Debt Charity
- Step Change
- Telephone: 0800 138 1111
Debt Advice Foundation
- Debt Advice Foundation
- Telephone: 0800 622 61 51
Pay Plan
- Pay Plan
- Telephone: 0800 280 2816
Borrowing
Castle and Crystal Credit Union
Credit unions are not for profit financial cooperatives. They provide a safe, convenient place to save money, and access loans at reasonable rates. Loans tend to start at £250 and go up to £10,000.
Breathing Space - debt respite scheme
If you live in England or Wales, you can get temporary protection from your creditors while you get debt advice and make a plan. This scheme is called ‘Breathing Space’.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offer a debt helpline freephone service 0800 240 4420 (or Relay UK 18001 then 0800 240 4420). The debt helpline is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It’s not available on public holidays. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
You can also talk about your debt issue with a trained adviser online.
Live4Less
Live4Less is a free course offered by Adult Learning. It looks at:
- budgeting
- how to be energy efficient
- reduce your travel costs
- make simple and cost-effective meals
The course is 2 hours long and held across the borough in various venues. For more information, or to book a free place, call Adult Community Learning on 01384 818143 or email acl@dudley.gov.uk
West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic
The West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic support people affected by problem gambling. They can provide therapies, treatment and recovery to those in need. They also offer tools, support and resources for those who may need them such as family and friends.
Stop loan sharks
People are struggling to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills and loan sharks may try to cash in. They use fear, intimidation, and control to create a vicious cycle of debt for those unable to pay back their loans which pushes their clients into poverty.
Contact:
- Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222
- Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk
- Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Stop Loan Sharks deliver free sessions to community groups and organisations to raise awareness. Please contact Nadeem Mahammed from the England Illegal Money Lending Team
- Telephone 07517 539024
- Email nadeem.mahammed@birmingham.gov.uk
Stop Loan Sharks App
Recognise the signs and report loan sharks through the Stop Loan Sharks app.
Newsletter
The Stop Loan Sharks newsletter contains information about their latest arrests, investigations and prosecutions. It also contains information on awareness raising events and other financial education initiatives.
To sign up to receive this newsletter, or to find previous editions, visit the Stop Loan Sharks website.