In the UK, several reputable debt charities offer free, confidential advice and practical solutions to help people regain control of their finances. This article introduces the leading debt charities in the country, highlighting their services and how they can assist those in need of guidance to navigate their way out of debt.
Whether negotiating with creditors, setting up manageable repayment plans, or simply offering a listening ear, these organisations are equipped to support individuals at every step of their journey towards financial stability.
This guide from Company Debt focuses on who you can contact if you need free guidance. We support thousands of UK directors with company closure and business liquidation.
It aims to be the most comprehensive resource of its type and is updated frequently.
The Top Debt Charities in the UK
Citizen’s Advice
Founded in 1935, Citizen’s Advice is a national charity supported by 20,000 trained volunteers who provide a range of consumer advice services, including for debt.
Guidance is available face-to-face, phone, and online chat.
Citizen’s Advice are a well established and well run organisation whose support spans a variety of areas beyond debt, including legal, consumer and housing.They are free, confidential, impartial and independent.
A national debt advice charity offering free and confidential support for individuals to those worried about loans, credit, and debt.
Their philosophy is the prevention and cure of unmanageable consumer debt.
Their free telephone debt counselling service helps over 10,000 people every year.
Last year, DAF helped callers deal with over £30 million in unsecured debt. The average unsecured caller debt was £17,501. Credit cards accounted for the highest proportion of debt (38%).
Call their helpline on 0800 043 4050
Debt Support Trust
A money advice charity that offers information and not for profit advisers to provide guidance on debt solutions.
Their mission is: “To support people in managing their debt problems by offering debt advice today, whilst finding solutions to minimise severe personal debt problems in the future.”
They can assist with credit cards, personal loans, payday loans, store cards, car finance, overpayment of benefits and many others.
A national charity that helps people tackle their debts and better manage money. It oversees the National Debtline and Business Debtline so if you enquire through them you will be directed accordingly.
In 2020, Money Advice Trust’ advisers provided help to over 160,000 people, and their advice websites had 1.9 million visits.
Provided by the Work & Pensions Service, Money Helper is an online advice service that includes guidance on debt-related problems.
It brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.
Open to everyone, MoneyHelper is focusses on helping people clear their debts, reduce spending and make the most of their income. To support loved ones, plan ahead for major purchases and find out about entitlements. To build up savings and pensions, and know their options.
Helps people deal with their debt problems, based on a confidential assessment of their situation and offers a range of solutions aimed at individuals.
The UK’s Financial Capability charity – provides education, information, and guidance to people including on managing money. Services are provided through support to others, such as in education and communities. Information on debt is also available on the website.
Breathing Space is also known as the Debt Respite Scheme and is aimed at those with more serious debt problems such as rent, mortgage arrears, and debts such as payday loans, other borrowings, and gas and electricity arrears. The scheme freezes payment demands and legal action while the individual takes free debt advice and can last for a standard 60-day break or another agreed period if there is a mental health crisis.
There are a number of conditions and referral to the scheme must be made either by a charity as with Step Change, Citizens Advice or National Debtline, or a mental health professional.
Community Money Advice (CMA) is a national charity who’s centres help thousands of people, from all walks of life, escape from the blight of indebtedness by providing free, unconditional, fully confidential advice and practical support.
Their fully trained Debt Advisers and Money Mentors offer advice specific to each client’s needs and they give as much time and support as required, in order to help the client become debt free, whilst working towards financial stability. During the advice process, clients will also be taught budgeting and money management skills, to ensure they have control over their finances, enabling them to remain debt free in the future.
Accountant in Bankruptcy administers personal bankruptcy and records corporate insolvencies in Scotland. It also has information on how to deal with debt.
