Debt help included in new government helpline
Debt help included in new government helpline
- Monday, 4 January 2010Debt management advice is among the services offered through a new NHS Stressline, designed to help people experiencing financial strain.
The initiative was set up in light of high levels of personal debt and unemployment being suffered by many, and allows people to speak to trained health professionals for practical advice and emotional support.
Commenting on the scheme, Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said money worries and job losses could trigger mental health problems.
"For some people struggling with the emotional fallout of the recession this could be the first time they have experienced any kind of mental health problem and it can be incredibly hard to know where to turn," he said.
The NHS Stressline would act as a "signpost", helping people reach expert advice as quickly as possible, added Mr Farmer.
According to the national money education charity Credit Action, average household debt in the UK reached £9,120 in December, excluding mortgages.

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