Getting help

Most people will be able to get help from a local independent advice centre or CAB

Look in your Yellow Pages, search for your local CAB at www.adviceguide.org.uk , or phone Community Legal Advice to ask if there is one near you: 0845 345 4 345 (Minicom: 0845 609 6677). They are open 9am to 6:30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
Staff at your local library or council offices should also be able to give you details of advice agencies near you.

When you've found a local advice center or CAB, phone for an appointment and explain your problem. Tell them if you have any deadlines (like a court date) so that they can ensure you get an appointment before it is too late. Take all your letters with you, and any evidence of the things you have done to try to solve the problem.

You can also get more information and advice online or over the phone from the organisations below

National Debtline

Helpline: 0808 808 4000 (Monday - Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9.30am-1pm)
See 'Links to other websites' on the right.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

Helpline: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm)
See 'Links to other websites'

Community Legal Advice

Community Legal Advice can help you find an adviser or, if you live on benefits or a low income, they can advise you over the phone.
Helpline: 0845 345 4 345 (Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 12:30pm)
See 'Links to other websites'

Payplan

Payplan provide a free debt management service for people who usually have at least ₤100 per month available to pay their creditors
Helpline 0800 716 239 (Every day 8am-9pm)
See 'Links to other websites'.

Bankruptcy Advisory Service

Bankruptcy Advisory Service provide impartial advice on bankruptcy
See 'Links to other websites'.

Turn2us

Turn2us can help you find charities that may be able to give you a grant and can help you check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.
Helpline: 0808 802 2000
See 'Links to other websites'.

Tax Aid

Tax Aid can help with tax related issues
Helpline: 0845 120 3779 (Monday to Thursday 10-12)
See 'Links to other websites'.

Financial Services Authority

The FSA website has helpful online tools to help with budgeting, working out the most effective way to pay off your credit cards, and how much a loan will really cost you.
See 'Links to other websites'.

Trading Standards

Your local Trading Standards office can help clarify if any credit agreement is unfair. Use the search box at the top of the Trading Standards Institute website to search for your local Trading Standards office.
See 'Links to other websites'.

Unbiased.co.uk

Search Unbiased.co.uk to find an independent financial adviser
See 'Links to other websites'.

bbc.co.uk/raw

bbc.co.uk/raw has lots of ideas and money saving tips for your family and for people setting up home, being made redundant, or splitting up from their partner.
See 'Links to other websites'.