People Should Turn To Friends And Family For Debt Help

People with worsening debt problems should turn to friends and family for advice rather than paying for debt help, a leading debt charity says.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) is advising people who are experiencing debt problems to turn to their friends and family rather than approaching a commercial debt advisory service.

The CCCS says that many struggling debtors pay for debt advice because they are unaware that free help is available. It stresses that family and friends are crucial in raising awareness of free debt help with one fifth of the 418,000 people who contacted the charity last year referred to it by a friend or family member.

“It is crucial that people understand the role they can play in helping their friends and family who are struggling with debt by making them aware of free sources of advice such as CCCS, National Debtline and Citizens Advice.”, advises Delroy Corinaldi, CCCS External Affairs Director.

Admitting that you are having personal finance problems to a friend or family member may be difficult, however, and many people even hide their debt issues from their partner.

Recent research has also shown that men are less likely to see debt advice than women, so it is important that people are aware of the free, confidential, debt counselling services that are available.

The CCCS free phone helpline is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and can be reached at this number: 0800 138 1111.