National Debt Awareness Week 2021 - help and support

This week is national debt awareness week 2021. Many of us are acutely aware of the impact that debt can have.  

This week is national debt awareness week 2021. Founded by StepChange in 2014, the purpose of this awareness week is to destigmatise debt. The reality is that debt can happen to anyone at any time. That’s why StepChange want to help people feel comfortable asking for the help they need, and ease any worries they may have about being judged, or feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
 
Many of us are acutely aware of the impact that debt can have. The worry and stress that debt can cause can take over our lives and leave us feeling alone, anxious, and overwhelmed. This past year has been extremely difficult and has left many of us with financial worries. The financial impact of Covid-19 may have added to money problems you were already experiencing, or this may be new to you. Here is some help and support if you are struggling with debt.
 
Tell someone
It can be difficult to talk about debt, so many people struggle with their debt alone. This can make debt an even bigger burden. Talking to someone you trust about debt can lift a weight off your shoulders. This can be the first step towards taking action. Taking the step to open up to someone can take a lot of courage, so to help, StepChange have created a form that you can use to help start the conversation.
 
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, there are online communities that can help. StepChange have a Facebook page which their followers engage regularly with, to talk about facing their debts. MoneySavingExpert also has a thriving online community. They have a number of forums where members can interact anonymously and discuss their worries.
 
Where to start?
Dealing with debts can feel overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to begin.

There are plenty of organisations and charities that can help.

• StepChange provide the UK’s most comprehensive debt advice service, covering a broad range of topics. They have a number of different ways to contact them, depending on your needs. Find out more about getting in touch with StepChange here.
• Citizens Advice have a dedicated debt and money section on their website. You can also chat online to a debt adviser here. You can call Citizens Advice Swansea and Neath Port Talbot on 0808 278 7926.
• National Debtline are another charity that provide free debt advice. You can chat online to an adviser here or call them on 0808 808 4000. They have a full guide on how to deal with debt here. If you want a paper copy, you can order one for free here.
• Christians Against Poverty offer free, local advice on debt. CAP have a number of debt centres in Swansea. Call them on 0800 328 0006 where you will speak to someone from their new enquiries team, who will arrange an initial appointment with a local debt coach.

 
Debt and Mental Health
If you’re debt is affecting your mental health, or is impacting on mental health conditions that you already live with, it may be worth discussing it with your GP.

Mental Health & Money Advice is the first UK-wide online advice service designed to help you understand, manage and improve your financial and mental health. They have written about why it may be helpful to tell your creditors about your mental health conditions here.

You are not alone, and there is help out there for you.