Debts can often feel overwhelming and difficult to deal with but there is lots of free, impartial, non-judgemental and easily accessible advice out there! It can often be tempting to ignore debts, but the quicker you take action, the sooner you can regain control of your money and alleviate anxiety and stress.
If you are worried about your debts and would like to discuss your circumstances in confidence with a specialist advisor we recommend that you contact the following organisations.
The UK's leading debt charity - their services are non-judgemental and completely free of charge.
Every year StepChange help thousands of people to overcome their debt problems. They provide free and effective debt advice and practical solutions, which you can access either online or over the phone.. Often creditors can make you feel under pressure to make payments you can't afford. To help alleviate uncertainty and worry, the StepChange website sets out exactly what creditors can and can't do.
In addition to offering debt advice, StepChange can assist with budgeting and offer advice about housing costs.
Please see their website for full contact details.
National Debtline is a free and confidential debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland. It is run by the charity the Money Advice Trust.
You can also download useful factsheets about various debt topics and sample letters to send to your creditors.
Please see their website for full contact details.
The Money Advice Service helps people manage their money. They do this directly through their own free and impartial advice service. They also work in partnership with other organisations to help people make the most of their money. They are an independent service, set up by government.
Their free and impartial money advice is available online, over the phone (0800 138 7777) and by web-chat and via their free printed guides.
Citizens Advice offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice from over 3,500 locations. Find your local Citizens Advice office here. Individuals, couples and families can make an appointment to discuss their financial circumstances with an advisor. You can also get advice online and over the telephone by calling 03444 111 444.
Their debt and money webpage includes comprehensive information, advice and guidance about money and debt issues.
They also have an online budgeting tool and sample letters to send to creditors.
Citizens Advice do not just focus on debt; they can offer advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, work, consumer rights, relationships, housing, law and rights, discrimination, tax, healthcare, and education.
All debt advice from Payplan is free, whatever the nature of your debt problem. They can help you with free debt advice on credit card bills, personal loan arrears, mortgage or rent arrears and what to do if you get behind with gas or electricity bills.
They are committed to giving advice that is relevant to your personal circumstances to help you decide the best way forward. Knowing what to expect when you're facing money problems can often ease the stress you may be feeling. Their debt advice is up to date, accurate, comprehensive and tailored to you.
Please see their website for full contact details.
Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help - online, by phone and face to face through their partner organisations.
Their website can help you to quickly and easily find financial support which is based on your circumstances. It features a free and easy to use benefits calculator, grants search and other information and resources.
Shelter gives practical housing advice and support online, in person and by phone (0808 800 4444). Their expert advisors give free, confidential advice 365 days a year, helping with everything from mortgage arrears to finding a place to sleep.
An A-Z of benefits information, advice and guidance. Includes information on Child Benefit and Tax Credits.
HMRC are the UK's tax authority. They are responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK's public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.