Debt management

There are a variety of reasons you may find yourself struggling with debt, many of which can be beyond your control. According to the debt charity Stepchange, the top 3 reasons for calls to their helpline are:

1. Reduced income
2. Unemployment or redundancy
3. Injury or illness

Castle Community Bank are a responsible lender and we want to work with our customers and help when difficulties are encountered. So, if you are experiencing debt problems, please make sure that you get help straight away by speaking to us before it spirals out of control.

The organisations below are also sources of free help and advice when it comes to debt problems.*

• Stepchange
  A free confidential service to help achieve realistic solutions to debt problems.
• Citizens Advice Bureau England and Scotland
  Citizens Advice Bureau – providing free, confidential and impartial advice on debt.
• AdviceUK
  The largest UK network of advice-providing organisations.
• Money Helper
  A government run bureau that provides help and guidance on a number of aspects including debt, benefits and retirement options
• National Debt Helpline
  Free and independent debt advice available
• Breathing Space England
  Government guidelines for debt respite scheme.

Here’s a list of energy suppliers who offer grants to their customers:

• British Gas Energy Support Fund – apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website

• Scottish Power Hardship Fund – apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website

• Ovo Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website

• E.ON Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website

• E.ON Next Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website

• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – sign up to the priority services register to apply for a grant on the EDF Energy website

• Bulb Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website

• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ – apply for a grant on the Octopus website

If residents can’t get a grant from their own supplier, they might be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone – you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to be eligible.

Members may also be able to access local grants and you can see what’s available in your area on the Simple Energy Advice website.