StepChange

A purple graphic with a gold coin in the centre with the the words 'Debt Awareness Week 24-30 March' on and the StepChange logo below.

Plus so much more. To get involved, please use our hashtag #DebtAwarenessWeek! By sharing experiences, we can raise awareness of debt help and support others with their debt and money worries. (5/5)

Our wonderful debt advisors are answering your questions over on the Netmums forum. With over 2 million users on their site every month, we know that shame and stigma play a huge role in people not getting help. (4/5)

We're hosting a Reddit AMA with our friends at the Mental Health Foundation, answering your most-asked questions about money worries and mental health. Our lovely debt advisors will also be answering your questions in the comments! Got a question? Ask us anonymously. (3/5)

👇 Let's take a look at what you can expect this week

Debt can happen to anyone and opening up can feel challenging. We'll be sharing what conversations about money looks like - from friends, colleagues, couples and families. (2/5)

It's #DebtAwarenessWeek, and we're exploring shame and stigma - we want to challenge attitudes to debt and help people access the support they need 💷

www.stepchange.org/debt-awareness-week.aspx (1/5)

My latest blog is about the @stepchange.bsky.social report launch event which I attended this week on behalf of Money Advice Plus.

Great to see such a large provider elevating the issue of #CoercedDebt by exploring client experiences and being a champion of this work.

#EconomicAbuse

How broke councils are using the threat of prison against vulnerable people The number of people being taken to court because they have not paid their council tax is rising – but campaigners argue the threat of prison is being used as a ‘tactic’ as figures reveal it is rarely...

Council tax rules include a final sanction of imprisonment in cases of non-payment - yet new data shows that hardly anyone goes to prison

So it's high time this outdated regulation - which hangs over those in financial difficulty - is revoked

inews.co.uk/news/council...

I couldn’t pay my council tax - ‘scary’ bailiffs threatened to take everything Michael says dealing with debt collectors after his motorbike crash was ‘traumatic’ - as charities call for changes in enforcement

We’re campaigning for council tax reform, pushing for a more compassionate approach

Our client Michael shared his story, while Emily Whitford highlighted the struggles of those in arrears in an interview with @theipaper.com and @adamforrest.bsky.social

inews.co.uk/news/council...

Coverage of our 'Too close to home' report in @theguardian.com bsky.app/profile/theg...

Today, we’re launching our latest policy report ‘Too close to home’, which explores StepChange debt advice clients’ experiences of coerced debt.​​

Read the report here: stepchange.org/policy-and-r...

🎉 Our impact in 2024 🎉

We’re very proud to share our 2024 Impact Report which highlights how we delivered on our strategic objectives last year.

This includes full debt advice to over 170k people and supporting our clients to repay over £360m in debt.

Download the report here ➡️ t.co/1LYsll5CeU

Good to hear from the Minister @alexdaviesjones.bsky.social that the Government is considering all options on bailiff regulation as proposed by @lukecharters.bsky.social.

As the UK's largest provider of debt advice we are ready to work with the Government on this crucial issue.

Our StepChange client, Michael, featured in @lukecharters.bsky.social's speech.

He told Luke that his experiences with bailiffs show that the sector is "like the wild west" and "unruly"

We cannot allow this to continue and we need to see bailiff regulation placed on a statutory footing.

In Westminster Hall, @lukecharters.bsky.social has just moved a motion considering regulation of the bailiff sector.

We've long called on the Government to properly regulate enforcement action to drive up standards and reduce harm, harm we hear from our clients all too often.

The debate is on Tuesday at 11am, and we'll be watching closely to see what the Government has to say on this crucial matter.

We've been campaigning on this for over ten years and it’s crucial that we protect vulnerable people from aggressive and unfair practices and work towards stronger regulation, as it is key to supporting those struggling with debt.

We are delighted to see that @lukecharters.bsky.social has secured a Westminster Hall debate on bailiff regulation 🙌

If you are struggling with mortgage arrears or worried about debt, we’re here to help with free and impartial advice at stepchange.org

Green and purple background with white text of a quote from our press release. To the left in an orange cut out speech bubble, a picture of Richard Lane in a blue suit looks towards the camera.

Our client data shows a concerning 82% rise in average mortgage arrears year on year. While the fall in interest rates will offer some reassurance to homeowners today, it’s clear that some households are still at risk of long-term financial hardship.

Read more: www.stepchange.org/media-centre...

YouTube video by StepChange Debt Charity Credit Card Debts: How Steve Got Help

Our client Steve shares how talking about his situation helped relieve some of the stress he was feeling when faced with uncertainty around his mortgage.

He hopes that others are encouraged to seek help this #NationalStorytellingWeek.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyGkt31nRdw&t=5s

Has Alannah inspired you to share your debt story with us? Let us know by filling out the short form at the bottom of this page 👉 www.stepchange.org/media-centre/media-volunteer.aspx

YouTube video by StepChange Debt Charity 'I was in thousands of pounds worth of debt' - How StepChange helped me

At StepChange, we recognise the immense power of stories to break down stigma and advocate for change.

This #NationalStorytellingWeek, we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight some of our client stories, starting with Alannah and her family.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t8S9P9AfxQ

We're so glad we could help David!

Image shows four people smiling and laughing, holding cups and celebrating. Confetti flows down the image. To the bottom left, the Feefo logo and the words 'Platinum trusted service award, 2025'

🏆 Excellence in customer service isn't just a goal at StepChange - it's our daily commitment. That's why receiving the Feefo 2025 Platinum Trusted Service Award means so much to us! To our customers: thank you for your trust, and feedback on Feefo.

Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds Listen live to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds

📻 Our Chief Client Officer, @Politicana, is on @bbcradio4.bsky.social You and Yours. Listen now 👇

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Our letter working with Luke Charters MP, we've written to Sarah Sackman as part of our campaign to see bailiffs regulated.

Our letter working with Luke Charters MP, we've written to Sarah Sackman as part of our campaign to see bailiffs regulated.

Working with Luke Charters MP, we've written to Sarah Sackman KC MP as part of our campaign to see bailiffs regulated.

We know all too well the impact enforcement action has on the most vulnerable and we need to see the Government act 🤝

Image shows a letter we've written to Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who’s chairing an Independent Sentencing Review, urging him to set in motion plans to revoke this outdated sanction once and for all.

Image shows a letter we've written to Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who’s chairing an Independent Sentencing Review, urging him to set in motion plans to revoke this outdated sanction once and for all.

That’s why, alongside sector partners, we’ve written to Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who’s chairing an Independent Sentencing Review, urging him to set in motion plans to revoke this outdated sanction once and for all.
See our letter below. Let's campaign for change 👇

Though rarely used in reality, this threat is often overemphasised, and enough to cause damaging consequences. What’s more, a number of people have been unlawfully imprisoned under this regulation.

🚨 New StepChange research shows around 12.5 million people are worried about their ability to pay their council tax.

Those who do fall behind on council tax all too often face punitive collection action - including a possible sanction of imprisonment. 👇

A huge thank you to our brilliant specialists Dennis Hussey and Richard Lane 👋

@stepchange.bsky.social
@nationaldebtline.bsky.social

#MartinLewis