Money Worries
Housing and money worries can put a lot of stress on parents. This can stop them being able to provide the practical and emotional support that children need, which can lead to neglect. It may be that families can be helped with these issues and that in turn will enable them to provide the support that their children need.
It can be very hard to talk about money problems and ask for help but there are lots of places and people who will want to help you. Here are some local places you may find helpful:
Mind: Your local Mind might not be able to help you with money problems directly but they can help you find the right support. They may be able to help you find an advocate – someone who can come with you to meetings or appointments and speak on your behalf when necessary.
Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk Provides free and impartial money advice. They can help you with debt and borrowing, budgeting and managing money, benefits, insurance, savings and houses and mortgages.
Turn 2 Us: turn2us.org.uk National charity that helps people gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. You can use their website to find a local advisor.
Step Change: stepchange.org A charity that provides free advice on problem debt, including a free debt management plan. They also have an online tool called Debt Remedy which can give you recommendations and solutions based on the financial information you provide.
National Debtline: nationaldebtline.org A freephone helpline and email advice service. They also provide online advice and sample letters that you can use when you are writing to your creditors.
Shelter: shelter.org.uk Information about housing and homelessness. Shelter has a housing advice helpline .