Free independent help and advice

Citizens Advice have been offering free, unbiased, independent advice for over 80 years. Giving people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. This national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

• reviewing your existing benefits and checking if you can apply for any others
• housing support
• the cost of living
• consumer issues
• understanding your rights
• managing debt.

Visit: Citizens Advice (England), or call: 0800 144 8848

Visit: Citizens Advice (Wales), or call: 0800 702 2020

Visit: Citizens Advice (Scotland), or call: 0800 028 1456

Visit: Citizens Advice NI (Northern Ireland), call: 0800 915 4604

Money Wellness are passionate about improving financial wellbeing, offering free advice and support to over a million people for the last 30 years. 

• free debt advice
• free ongoing debt solutions
• free benefit and grant eligibility assessments
• partnered with other support providers to offer mental health, gambling and addiction support where needed.

Visit: Money Wellness

Call: 0800 307 7002 (Lines are open Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm).

They also offer:

• a callback option and calendar that you can access
• webchat and email communication channels.

A bank statement can be useful but not essential. You should have at least an hour available for an advice session.

StepChange has a team of debt experts who help hundreds of thousands of people each year with debt issues. With 30 years of experience, you can trust them to give the advice and support you need. Helping you gain long-term control over your money.

• 24/7, free, flexible debt help is available based on your situation to get your finances back in order
• a wide range of practical debt solutions and support for as long it’s needed
• access to a benefits calculator and cost-of-living budgeting advice
• homeowner support through specialist mortgage and equity release teams.

Visit: StepChange

Call: 0800 138 1111 (Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm).

• your income: any wages, benefits or other forms of income
• your outgoings: how much you spend each month on rent/mortgage, utilities, food, travel, and any other essential costs
• any debts you have, such as: credit cards, loans, car finance and any arrears on rent, utilities or Council Tax.

PayPlan offers free, confidential debt advice and solutions to make life more affordable. Instant support tailored to your needs. Available by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and 24/7 online.

• debt advice
• debt solutions
• budgeting advice

Visit: PayPlan.

If you would like to speak to someone, please call 0800 980 4162. (Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm).

It would be helpful to have information such as a bank statement to hand. But don’t worry if you don’t have one. An adviser will still be able to support you.

Shelter works hard to protect everyone's right to a safe home. They tackle the serious effect of the housing emergency on individuals and society. The team offers advice, information, and advocacy to those in need. Talking to communities to understand the housing crisis and aim to change the system.

They work in partnership with Shelter Cymru in Wales and the Housing Rights Service in Northern Ireland, as well as Focus Ireland in Ireland.

They can help:

• Locally. Advice and support services offer one-to-one help with housing issues and homelessness.
• Online. Find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless. Or speak to an adviser over web chat.
• Over the phone. A free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness.
• Legal support. Their solicitors give free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.

Visit: Shelter

Call: 0808 800 4444 (Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).

It is useful to have documents ready before you call, like your tenancy agreement, relevant letters or messages.

The Digital Helpline, offered in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group, helps get you online through tailored training and support. Developing your digital skills and showing you how to access online services, such as online banking. Helping you to be more confident in everyday life.

Free 1-2-1 digital skills training over the phone, helping you learn how to:

• use digital devices, such as laptops, phones and tablets
• how to open an email account
• facetime and call with family and friends
• shop online for groceries
• use price comparison websites
• staying safe online.

Call: 0345 222 0333 (Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

Visit: The We Are Group website for more information and customer testimonials.

Those who are Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) can book a session using SignVideo. Available on Safari, Chrome or Firefox web browsers.

Customers who have hearing loss or a speech impairment can use the service through Relay UK.