Billions up for grabs as financial woes pile on the pressure

Nearly half the population feel more inclined to seek free independent information and advice for help with their escalating bills or other worries than this time last year, according to new research carried out for the Promoting Advice coalition.

The coalition, an alliance of six organisations including Citizens Advice and Age Concern and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, is launching Advice Week (6-12 October) to highlight different ways people can access free and impartial advice on a range of issues including legal matters, debt, benefits, housing and employment.

While eight out of 10 people are more worried about their finances than this time last year, the coalition found that those who felt that they had the greatest need for advice, were those who had the lowest awareness that free advice was available. This was also the group on the lowest incomes, despite up to £9.9 billion in means tested benefits going unclaimed last year.

To raise awareness, particularly among communities with greatest need, local agencies from the member organisations will be putting on community events during the week, helping clients to sort out money and other worries and urging people to access the benefits they are entitled to.

The provision of such vital services, says the coalition, plays a key role in the fight against poverty and social exclusion by empowering vulnerable people, and those on a low income, to get the support they need. Having access to these vital services can make a huge difference to people's wellbeing and quality of life, often significantly boosting their income and helping them to continue living independently.

Together, organisations in the coalition provide free advice online, over the phone, via email and text services and face to face at a variety of outreach locations including the high street, community centres, health centres, health settings, courts and prisons.

Richard Jenner, Director of the Advice Services Alliance, said: "The Working Together for Advice project brings together national networks for advice agencies to increase access to advice and improve the efficiency of advice services. We are grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for supporting this important work during these difficult times." Anyone who is in need of some extra support should contact their local agency (details in phonebook).

06 October 2008 © Moneyextra.com

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