If you’re struggling with debt, Better Leeds Communities can help.  Your first step should always be to get free expert debt advice, based on your personal circumstances. No matter what your debt problem, we can support you.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are currently offering appointments on the telephone:
Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm

We also offer Virtual Debt Drop-in sessions, no appointment required, starting on Wednesday 7th October 2020. You can call on: Wednesday between 2pm-4pm   

All we ask you to do is have the following information ready so we can help you:

• Your income – weekly/monthly pay and/or benefits
• Rent/mortgage/council tax
• Debts you owe – gas, electric, water, catalogue, gym, loan, credit cards, hire purchase, etc.

Money Matters supports parents and carers of children and young people under 18 years of age on low incomes to manage their finances, improve their income and build skills to help prevent child poverty.

Users are given a Money Matters mentor, who will equip them with budgeting tips, as well as offer advice on a wide range of issues including unemployment, benefit cuts, payday loans, domestic abuse and drug and alcohol problems

If you think you could benefit from the service, or would like to have an income check and devise your own budget, you can call us for an appointment.

We also have a budgeting digital pack available for you to work through in your own time at your own pace. This contains tips, advice and engaging activites. You can access the pack here: Digital budgeting pack

Launched in 2016, the Horizons project helps people facing severe financial hardship meet their immediate needs, including household bills and food. It also works with them to improve their circumstances and improve their skills and knowledge to help them avoid crisis in the future.

The Horizons project puts the people it helps at the centre of every aspect of its support, including decision-making and putting together an action plan that’s reviewed every few weeks. It also offers support to help users boost their income and apply for benefits.

Due to high demand across the city, Horizons cannot accept self-referrals – but people in urgent need will be directed to One Stop Centres or Community Hubs where they can obtain a foodbank voucher.

Users of our Debt Outreach Service, funded by Henry Smith, are identified through the Linking Leeds Social Prescribing Service for Leeds.

This referral-only service supports people struggling with debt who are also battling other issues, including substance misuse, homelessness, mental ill-health, long-term health conditions, and disabilities.

The project is flexible in its approach and takes into account barriers people may have, including transport and childcare costs, which can stop them accessing mainstream support services.