Free resources
Worried about your finances? You're certainly not alone, there are simple steps you can take and these free resources are a good place to start. Don't wait to reach out for help.
-
Shropshire Council's cost of living webpage -brings together a selection of information to help with the rising costs of living
-
16 things that might help checklist- will walk you through things you might be able to do to maximise your income and reduce your outgoings
-
'Worrying About Money?' leaflet- will help you to identify local organisations that are best placed to help you with your money worries
Local and national organisations that can help with debt
Local organisations
Citizens Advice Shropshire Specialist Debt Team
01743 280 019
(Bridgnorth & Market Drayton)
Oswestry & Ellesmere CMA Connect Centre
07547 330634
(Shrewsbury)
07507 663251
If you live in a Housing Association property they may have a money advice service for tenants.
National organisations
0800 138 1111
0808 808 4000
Citizens Advice National Debt Helpline
0800 240 4420
Priority vs non-priority debts
Priority debts are debts that can cause you particularly serious problems if you don’t do anything about them.
If you’re starting to miss some of your bill payments, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Find out how to prioritise and work out which debts to pay off first and get the help you need if you’re struggling with your payments.
Money Helper has some useful guidance on how to prioritise your debts.
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a scheme that gives people temporary protection from most types of debt collection while they take action to get on top of their debts.
You can apply through a debt adviser for sixty days’ Breathing Space.
Visit the Citizens Advice and GOV.UK websites for full details of the scheme.
Mental Health Breathing Space
There is a particular version of breathing space for people who are receiving mental health crisis treatment. It can last longer than a standard breathing space.
A debt adviser applies to the Insolvency Service for a mental health crisis breathing space on your behalf.
You can apply for a mental health crisis breathing space if:
-
You live in England or Wales.
-
You have debts you cannot afford to pay.
-
You are getting mental health crisis treatment.
Full details of thee scheme here.
Budgeting
There are lots of resources out there which can help you work out your budget so you can keep track of your money.
The Money Charity Budget Builder
Citizen's Advice Budget Sheet
If you prefer to work on paper then Citizen's Advice have a simple budget sheet you can download
Other support
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) run free course on a variety of topics.
Your local CAP Job Club is a friendly place where you’ll get practical help and gain the tools you need to find work.
Market Drayton, run in partnership with St Marys Church.
Full details here.
The CAP Money Course is a free course that will teach you budgeting skills and a simple system to successfully manage your money.
Market Drayton
Courses take place at:
Watergate Centre
SY13 1DW
Sign up here
CAP Life Skills is a friendly group that will give you the confidence and decision-making skills needed to live on a low income. You’ll learn practical money saving techniques, such as cooking on a budget and making money go further.
Market Drayton, run in partnership with St Marys Church.
Full details here.
Barnabas Community Projects in Shrewsbury offer a range of courses.
The aim of each of their 360 initiatives is to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to develop their self confidence whilst learning new skills. We offer one to one mentoring and support to our clients which we recognise is a key ingredient that enables them to see their individual value and to grow in confidence.
Referral needed, full details here.
Citizens Advice Telford and Wrekin drop-in and pre-bookable sessions
Full information on their website here.
Shropshire Rural Support was set up in 1991 to help people living in rural Shropshire by providing confidential support during periods of anxiety and stress, and with problems relating to their families and their businesses.
Their free confidential service is delivered by people with farming backgrounds who understand the ups and downs of farming, family farming businesses and living in the countryside. Most importantly they have the time to listen.
More information on their website here.
Money saving tips
There's lots of advice out there on how to save money but make sure you only take advice from reputable sources.
Money Saving Expert is a good place to start.
Safe borrowing
Beware of illegal money lenders or 'Loan Sharks'! They charge very high interest and can use harassment, violence and intimidation. Find out how to spot and report them here.
Read Citizens Advice's guidance on borrowing money here.
Credit Unions
Shropshire has two Credit Unions, which offer access to savings accounts and small low interest loans - including to people with a poor credit history. The loans start at just £50 and are much safer to use than payday lenders.
They work with you to improve your credit rating and financial behaviour.
