New Year debt hangover? asks Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau

Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau can help you improve your money management. Photograph: Lemon Jenny

January can seem a long and depressing month: the weather is often awful, pay day seems a long way off, and many of us have to face up to the harsh reality of excessive Christmas spending.

Many people get depressed by the extent of their debt and cannot see a way out. It is particularly sad when we hear that someone has taken their life due to debt worries, or there has been relationship breakdown.

Here at Hackney Citizens’ Advice Bureau, we offer free advice on the many options available for people in debt.

The first step is to face the reality of your financial position – which in itself can be difficult and mentally painful. However, no one can advise you properly without knowing the full extent of your situation. Many clients only admit to half of their debts as they are embarrassed or ashamed, but there is no need to be – we won’t judge you and have probably seen many other similar cases.

Next we look at your budget and see if your income could be increased, for example by claiming welfare benefits, whether you are currently employed or not, or charitable grants for fuel and water debts. We also check if your outgoings could be reduced.

Once a full financial picture is obtained we can decide on a plan of action.

So don’t suffer in silence – if you are worried about debts please get advice.

You can contact Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau at 300 Mare Street E8 1HE (opposite Hackney Empire)
Tel: 0844 499 1195 – Adviceline
Web: adviceguide.org.uk
eastendcab.org.uk