Debt / Finance

Below is a list of agencies that can help with your Debt / Finance.

Each agency is listed according to the level of help you can receive, to allow you to choose a service that best suits your needs.

Advice PointFace to face interview to help diagnose enquiry and next steps to reach a resolution including referral to another agency, contacting third party on behalf of client, completing forms etc.
Supported Advice PointAll of the above including: taking action on behalf of the client to move the case on e.g. negotiating on behalf of the client with third parties taking responsibility for follow up work.

Citizens Advice County Durham

Citizens Advice County Durham is an independent charity. We are able to assist anyone who is over the age of 16 and lives, works or studies in County Durham.

We provide free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on wide range of issues including, Benefits, Consumer, Debt & Money, Discrimination, Education, Employment, Family, Health, Housing, Legal and Tax.

Our Advice Line is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm on 03444 111 444

For information on our locations and opening hours, please visit our website at www.cdcab.org.uk

Alternatively you can contact our main switchboard on 0300 323 1000


Tadea

Managing Money Better project (funded by Comic Relief) provides home energy visits covering:

  • Energy efficiency advice and help with heating controls
  • Fuel tariff and supplier switching
  • Fuel debt advocacy
  • Accessing energy discounts and other schemes
  • Introduction to financial services through Prince Bishops Community Bank
  • Sign-posting to other relevant services e.g. benefit checks

Our services are available to any resident of County Durham, any age, any tenure. We will prioritise those over 60yrs, low-income families and those living with a disability or long-term health condition.

We cover the whole of County Durham including some DH postcodes which fall under Sunderland Council.

Call 0800 124 4320 or email health@tadea.com


Durham Money Advice Centre (DMAC)

Durham Money Advice Centre (DMAC) is a face to face service offering free confidential help for anyone struggling with debt or managing their money. We offer advice on debt management, budgeting and benefits. We will even help fill in forms.

Home visits are available.

Contact details: office@moneyadvicedurham.org.uk

Telephone: 0191 303 7514/p>


Homegroup – Stonham

We are a countywide, free and confidential housing support service for people who are at risk of losing their home, or need extra help to maintain their independence.

We provide the service through a partnership of four organisations, Stonham, Moving On, DASH and SHAID, who have an established track record in supporting vulnerable people within the county. Bringing together their knowledge and expertise to help you to find effective solutions that will help you to live independently.

You can apply for support no matter what housing you may have - for example if you hold a tenancy with a private landlord, the council or a Housing Association or if you are a home owner.

We will provide support to people who are 16 and over, including couples and families.

For more information please visit our website www.homegroup.org.uk

Telephone: 0191 3324935 or 0800 0731837


DISC – Independent Living

We can support you to get or hold on to housing or accommodation whilst developing your independent living skills. If you are:

  • Aged 16 to 25
  • Living In County Durham
  • In need of advice & assistance regarding housing issues
  • In need of housing support

Our range of housing advice and support services can support you to:

  • Hold on to your current tenancy
  • Access appropriate housing
  • Develop life skills
  • Resolve Neighbourhood disputes
  • Access a bond and a home through private landlords
  • Move In - set up utilities, budgeting and accessing furniture
  • Understand your tenancy agreement

In addition we can also support you to access other services including:

  • housing support
  • health services
  • education, training and employment
  • treatment for drug or alcohol use

Telephone: 01325 731160

Website: www.disc-vol.org.uk/servicefinder/services/county-durham

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm


Durham County Carers Support (DCCS)

We offer specialist advice and information to Carers on a wide variety of issues from Community Care, Education or Housing to supporting Carers to look after their own financial and health needs. We support via a home visit to provide practical help with completing forms, gaining benefits, grants and other funding or a listening ear through telephone support. The service facilitates opportunities to meet other carers, support services and ensuring carers have their voices heard. Patch based Support Co-ordinators allow a named worker for continuity of support.

For more information please visit our website at www.dccarers.org

Telephone: 0300 0051213

Email: admin@dccarers.org