We have listed below organisations that are also 100% free to the consumer, don't forget we are as well!
The Insolvency Service
The Insolvency Service have launched their own guide called 'In Debt? Dealing with your creditors.'
You can view this guide by clicking on this link Insolvency Service Guide to dealing with debt.
Money Advice Service
Want to make the most of your money?
- The Money Advice Service is independent. They are set up by government and are funded by a levy on the financial services industry.
- They give free, unbiased money advice to help you make informed choices - throughout your life and whatever your circumstances.
- Their advice and information is available online, over the phone and face-to-face.
- They are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority so they can’t give you a specific recommendation on whether a particular product is suitable for you. If you need regulated financial advice, consult a professional financial adviser.
- They are here to help make the most of your money. The health check will help you get started.
Get started
Birmingham Settlement
The Community Money Advice Centre (CMAC) offers free, confidential and independent advice to anyone who lives within Birmingham City boundaries. Backed by a Matrix Mark and members of the Institute of Money Advisers, they provide specialist help in both debt and welfare benefits. Their advisers are paid, trained and experienced staff who understand that being in debt can be stressful and difficult.
If a client has to go to court, they will normally be able to represent them. If part of the debt problem is due to not being paid the correct benefits, then they will help to resolve this too.
Their drop-in surgery at the Alma House site runs Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9.30 am. There is no need to book but individuals are advised to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30am to register. They also offer a surgery at the Centre for the Aston Family on Fridays which is by appointment. You will need to call on 0121 250 3000 for details or to book an appointment
Units 4-7 Alma House
Newtown Shopping Centre
Birmingham
B19 2AB
Telephone 0121 250 3000
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,200 locations including in bureau, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Some bureaux offer home visits and some also provide email advice. Their advice helps people resolve their debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems and is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, nationality or disability.
Some Citizens Advice Bureau can only give advice to people living or working in a certain area. You may wish to check this link www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm to see if they can help you.
Helpline: 0207 833 2181
Money Advice Centres
Specialise in financial problems and are run by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or local authorities in some areas, check telephone directory or on-line.
Money Advice Association
Helpline: 020 7489 7796
Money Advice Trust
21 Garlick Hill
London EC4V 2AU
Fax: 020 7489 7704
Email: info@moneyadvicetrust.org
www.moneyadvicetrust.org
National Debtline
National Debtline is a national telephone helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. Their service is free, confidential and independent.
Their opening times are: Monday - Friday 9am-9pm and Saturday 9.30am - 1pm
Helpline: 0808 808 4000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
The official independent body in settling complaints between consumers and businesses providing financial services.
Consumer helpline open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
- 0300 123 9 123 This number will be free if you pay a monthly charge for calls to numbers starting 01 or 02.
- 0845 080 1800 Calls to this number cost up to 4p a minute for BT customers – and may be free on some BT plans. But you will probably have to pay more if you use another phone company or call from a mobile phone.
They will be happy to phone you back, if you're worried about the cost of calling them.
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Consumer Credit Counselling Services - CCCS
Consumer Credit Counselling Service is a registered charity whose purpose is to assist people in financial difficulty.
Helpline 0800 138 1111 England & Wales
Helpline 0800 138 3328 Scotland
www.cccs.co.uk/
The Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. They are there for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone.
They offer their service by telephone, email, letter and face to face in most of their branches.
Samaritans is available to anyone in the UK and Ireland. If you live outside of the UK and Ireland, visit www.befrienders.org to find your nearest helpline.
Helpline 08457 90 90 90
www.samaritans.org
