Help is at hand for people in debt

It’s Debt Awareness Week and West Suffolk Council is tackling the stigma and highlighting the help that it and its community partners can offer to residents.

National figures from support charity StepChange suggest more than half of UK adults have run into problems of some kind relating to debt including mortgages, rent, credit and store cards and energy bills.

In West Suffolk more than 760 people have received debt advice from Citizens Advice in the last 12 months.

That included 82 people with a collective debt of just under £1.7 million who needed and were given further support from Citizens Advice to help them manage their debt.

Sadly, it is believed many people may not be aware of the help they can get or feel too ashamed to come forward.

The Financial Inclusion Service set up by West Suffolk Council is already working to help support people who are struggling with debts – as well as people on low income who are anxious about falling behind on bills.

“There are many reasons that people can find themselves struggling with debts,” said Donna Higgins, the cabinet member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council.

She said: “You are not alone. We and the community and charity partners that we invest in, and work alongside such as Citizens Advice, can help. We won’t judge, our help is free and it is in confidence. Don’t bury your head in the sand, talk to us. We can help.”

If you are struggling with debt, you can contact West Suffolk’s Financial Inclusion Service and they will put you in touch with services local to you.

More details can be found at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Other local help is available through other organisations including: Citizens Advice West Suffolk – Citizens Advice West Suffolk | Free, confidential, independent advice

Reach Community Projects which operates in Haverhill and Newmarket – Reach Community Projects, Haverhill | Free Debt Advice, Benefits Help & Foodbank

Newmarket Community Pantry Shop at The Racing Centre – The Racing Centre Newmarket | Community Hub & Charity

Realise Futures offer courses in household budgeting – www.realisefutures.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/West-2025-26-Spring-Term-Brochure-For-web-email.pdf

Nationally support is available through StepChange – StepChange Debt Charity. Free Expert Debt Help & Advice