Struggling to pay your household bills?

We know the pandemic has affected many household incomes, and with the school holidays approaching it can be an anxious time for parents worried how to afford family summer activities while juggling work and childcare.

Debt problems happen for all kinds of reasons, like being made redundant, a relationship breakdown, losing overtime at work, losing hours at work or being on a zero hours contract, or just borrowing too much money.

One of the main reasons people get into debt is that they simply do not have enough money to live on. Many people are having to borrow money to meet basic needs such as food and clothes for the children.

It's all too tempting to bury your head in the sand and hope those unopened bills will miraculously go away, but they won’t.

If you’re worried about your finances, it’s important to recognise the warning signs at an early stage as debts can quickly spiral out of control and ultimately you may run the risk of losing your home. 

The Dealing with Debt self-help magazine can help you find a way through these difficulties and provides clear advice and information to help you sort out your money problems. The magazine explains the steps you need to take to tackle your debt, as well as useful sample letters you can use to write to creditors like gas, electricity and water suppliers.

If you’re facing financial difficulties it can be hard to see a way through, but there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team is here to offer specialist debt advice and assistance to help you regain control of your finances. Get in touch on 023 8083 2339.

And if you’re looking for things to do with the children this summer that won’t cost a penny, why not get them involved with our Junior Neighbourhood Warden scheme where they can enjoy lots of fun, free events and activities all year round. Find out more online and check out future issues of Tenants’ Link for details of upcoming Junior Neighbourhood Warden events.