When money is tight it can be hard to know what to do, or whether anything can be done at all. Usually it can. The organisations below are free, confidential, and independent — and speaking to one early tends to open up options that disappear later.

Free debt advice#

National Debtline (opens external site) — a free, confidential and independent debt advice service, run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer debt advice, self-help resources and practical solutions, and they'll help you deal directly with the people you owe. Regulated and free to use.

StepChange Debt Charity (opens external site) — one of the UK's leading debt advice organisations. Free confidential advice, debt solutions, budgeting and financial planning, with online and phone support. They also campaign to improve the systems that affect people in debt.

Citizens Advice (opens external site) — free, confidential and impartial advice across a wide range of problems: debt and money, benefits and welfare, housing, employment, family law, immigration and consumer protection. Available online, by phone and in person.

The Money Advice Trust — a national charity focused on helping people tackle debt and manage money. As well as running National Debtline, they train debt advisers and campaign for bailiff reform and better debt collection practices.

Formal debt solutions such as a Debt Relief Order or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement have to be arranged through an authorised adviser, so a conversation with one of these organisations is the right first step if you think either might apply.

Gambling harm#

Gambling can escalate quickly, and the effects run well beyond money — into health, and into relationships with the people around you.

GambleAware (opens external site) treats gambling as a public health issue. They provide resources on the risks, run prevention campaigns, and fund the National Gambling Helpline, which offers free treatment for anyone affected — whether directly or through someone else's gambling.

GamCare (opens external site) operates the National Gambling Helpline and offers free support and treatment.

Housing and homelessness#

Homelessness has severe and lasting effects on personal finances, and the two problems reinforce each other.

Shelter (opens external site) is a housing and homelessness charity working to make sure everyone has a safe home. They offer advice, support and legal services.

Bereavement#

Losing someone affects your ability to keep on top of everyday responsibilities, and it's entirely understandable if your credit health takes a hit while you're grieving.

You may have fallen behind on bills, your income may have dropped while you took leave, or you may have faced unexpected costs for a funeral. Support is available while you get back on your feet — the debt advice organisations above will all help, and many lenders have specialist bereavement teams.

Domestic and economic abuse#

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and it isn't always physical. It frequently has a serious financial dimension, which can be part of what makes leaving difficult. Even after leaving, the financial consequences can last for years.

Financial and economic abuse — deliberate control over someone else's money — can start at any time, sometimes in plain sight.

Surviving Economic Abuse is the only UK charity focused specifically on this. They hold detailed information and can direct people to the services they need.

MoneyHelper (opens external site) publishes guidance on spotting the signs of financial abuse and leaving safely.

If you share credit with someone and need to end that link, removing a financial association explains the process — though it's worth taking advice first if you're worried about how the other person might react.

The key things to remember#

  • All the debt advice services listed here are free, confidential and independent.
  • Getting advice early opens up options that narrow the longer you wait.
  • Formal solutions like a DRO or IVA must go through an authorised adviser.
  • Gambling support covers people affected by someone else's gambling, not only their own.
  • Financial abuse is recognised, and there is specialist help for it.
  • Falling behind during bereavement or illness is common — it doesn't mean you've failed.