Housing association’s debt advisors help customers clear £3m of debt

Customers of The Wrekin Housing Group have been supported to clear more than £3 million of debt thanks to the work of its in-house debt advice team.

The team, which has been providing regulated debt advice since 2019, forms part of Wrekin’s Money Matters service.

The milestone underlines the increasing struggles many people are facing amid the ongoing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, with almost 1,000 customers supported with debt advice over the last five years.

Dan Bebbington, Debt and Energy Manager at The Wrekin Housing Group, said: “This milestone highlights the significant financial challenges many of our customers are facing, but it also demonstrates the importance of the support we provide.

“Our debt advice team offers a non-judgmental, confidential service that helps people regain control of their finances and frees them from the stress and worry that living with debt can cause.

“Every customer who has completed our feedback survey has said they were happy with the support they received, which is a powerful testament to the impact the team is having.

“We’re proud to have made such a positive difference to the lives of so many.”

As well as debt, the Money Matters team supports Wrekin customers with things like budgeting, energy advice and accessing benefits.

Working closely with customers, expert advisors deliver tailored support to help customers address immediate financial difficulties while laying the groundwork for long-term stability.

One customer supported this year was Army veteran Liam Murphy, from Wellington. The team was able to secure a Debt Relief Order to clear Liam’s £18,000 of debt.

He said: “I can look forward to things now. I’d advise anyone that’s in the same situation to not hide away from it.”

Dan added: “Referrals to the Money Matters team are up 22% compared to this time last year, and the levels of debt people were presenting with is also on the rise.

“We will continue to support our customers through these difficult times, and want them to know we are here to help with whatever financial challenges they are facing.”

Pic: Liam Murphy and Lois Alexander