Free advice with your debts
You can contact a number of independent advice agencies who can provide unbiased advice at no cost. Contact details for some organisations who provide these services locally and nationwide are shown below.
Local Debt Advice Services
The following local organisations provide independent Debt and Money advice in County Durham:
Citizens Advice County Durham
Citizens Advice County Durham is a local charity which provides debt and other advice to thousands of people every year. Its services are free, confidential and impartial.
If you’re struggling with your Council Tax bill, or any other debts, the service can provide guidance, money advice and debt solutions.
Telephone: 0808 278 7821 (general enquiries)
Debt advice telephone: 0800 240 4420 Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm
Make a self-referral online for debt advice
Web: Citizens Advice County Durham
Community Money Advice County Durham
Delivered by Durham Christian Partnership, this project offers a free, non-judgemental, and confidential service for anyone struggling with financial issues, debt or managing their money. Appointments are available at a number of foodbank centres across the county, with advice also available via telephone, email, post or video call. In special circumstances home visits can be arranged.
Telephone: 0191 303 7514 to request a call back, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Website: Community Money Advice County Durham
East Durham Trust
East Durham Trust is a local charity which provides support services to people living in the east Durham area.
This includes benefits advice, debt advice and emergency food parcels.
Telephone: 0191 569 3511, Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm
Website: East Durham Trust
Karbon Homes
Karbon Homes Money Matters Team can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities and those of your creditors. They can also help you weigh up your options in relation to dealing with debt. Their debt advice service is free and impartial. This service is available for those who are a Karbon Homes tenant.
Telephone: 0808 164 0111
Email: moneymatters@karbonhomes.co.uk
Website: Karbon Homes Your Money
National Debt Advice Services
The following organisations provide independent Debt and Money advice in County Durham:
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper provides help and advice to manage your money and deal with debt.
Website: MoneyHelper
StepChange
The easiest way to get started is online. It’s free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Website: StepChange
Telephone: 0800 138 1111
AdviceUK
Advice UK are a small charity whose purpose is to improve the lives of people in need of advice.
Website: AdviceUK
Telephone: 0300 777 0107
SSAFA – the armed forces charity
SSAFA can help provide practical, financial and emotional support for service personnel, veterans and their families.
Website: SSAFA
Telephone: 0800 731 4880
Gov.uk
The place to find government services and information.
Website: Gov.uk
National debtline
Free, trusted debt support.
Website: National debtline
Telephone: 0800 808 4000
Citizens Advice
Free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem.
Website: Citizens Advice
Telephone: 03444 111 444
CAP UK
For free help getting out of debt, budgeting, making your money go further, or help finding a job.
Website: CAP
Telephone: 01274 760720
PayPlan
Get free debt help in a way that works for you and start enjoying more of your money.
Website: PayPlan
Telephone: 0800 280 2816
If you need to talk to someone
If U Care Share
You can talk to them about mental health, if you are feeling very low or suicidal, or if you have been affected by suicide.
Telephone: 0191 387 5661
If you are worried about something, you can talk to their trained volunteers with their free, confidential and 24/7 text service.
Text: IUCS to 85258
Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and you can call them free at any time.
Telephone: 116 123.
Financial support
Welfare Rights
Durham County Councils Welfare Rights service can advise you on what benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim them.
Website: Get help with your benefits (Welfare Rights)
Email: welfare.rights@durham.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 268 968
Council Tax Reduction
If you’re on a low income, whether in work, unemployed or retired, you may be able to claim this discount.
Website: Council Tax Reduction
Email: benefits@durham.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 262 000
Turn2Us
A charitable service which helps people to access the money available to them through welfare benefits, grants and other sources.
Website: Turn2us
Gov.uk
Options for dealing with your debts, such as Breathing Space, Debt Management Plans, Debt Relief Orders and IVA’s.
Website: Options for dealing with your debt
Food support
Local food support services
The council’s website provides information on food banks and other local food support services on their page Help with food costs.
Healthy Start
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. You can also get free vitamins.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. This will be topped up every 4 weeks.
For more information and to check if you are eligible, visit Healthy Start on the council’s website.
How to get further support
The website Durham Locate has more information on local services such as:
- housing
- warm spaces
- staying safe
- health
- work and education
- caring for other people