Debt can significantly affect your quality of life, however there are many agencies that can help provide long term solutions to debt and help you manage your finances.
If you are struggling with debt, please don't be tempted to use a Loan Shark. Loan Sharks are illegal and we want to stop them. Please report them:
Tel: 0300 555 2222
Text: 07860 022116
E-mail: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Website: Stop Loan Sharks
Find out about Community Development Finance Institutions
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has guidance to help people manage changes to the cost of living for people who have not yet missed payments on their bills or credit commitments, but who are at serious risk of doing so.
These resources and tools are aimed at people who:
Call 0808 278 7867 Citizens Advice Ipswich – Citizens Advice Ipswich
Benefits, money and debt advice designed to support independent living. Guidance includes help and advice, changes to welfare benefits, COVID-19 specific support, support for self-employed workers, help for people who pay rent or a mortgage.
for Ipswich Borough Council tenants who are struggling financially.
https://www.gov.uk/welfare/entitlement
Tel: 01473 432000
Extra help for residents that are finding it difficult to keep up with their Council Tax payments during this challenging time, including guidance on the COVID-19 Hardship Fund.
Tel: 01473 432000
Find out more about social social prescribing and community outreach services.
The Ipswich Disabled Advice Bureau is a local, independent, charity working to support people with any form of disability, their carers, families and others in related fields, who live in Ipswich and the surrounding area. Supporting includes the discussion of welfare benefit entitlement, assistance with claim forms, employment issues including jobseeker guidance, representation for appeals, and debt and money management services.
Tel: 01473 217313
Bangladeshi Support CentreProviding support services to local Bangladeshi people about benefits, Council Tax, housing, racial harassment with help filling-in forms, education support and training plus Level 1 immigration advice. | Suffolk Refugee SupportAdvice, advocacy and practical support for asylum seekers and refugees settling in Suffolk. |
Jobcentre PlusOffering support and guidance associated with Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Income Support. | Eastern Savings & LoansThis service, part of the Credit Union Community, can provide affordable credit union loans. They do not penalise early repayments and will help you to build up your savings. |
Anglia Care TrustAnglia Care Trust provides independent advice services, focussing on debt, welfare and money advice as well as training and employment advice, by online referral. | National DebtlineA helpline providing free, confidential advice on how to deal with debt problems. |
Business DebtlineA sister company of the National Debtline. Free debt advice for small business owners. | StepchangeFree and confidential advice on everything from budgeting to practical plans to help manage debt. |
This service provides useful information on getting a Basic Bank Account. This may be a good option if you’ve been turned down for a Current Account and can act as a first step towards opening a different type of account later on.