New Kent Money Advice Hub launches as need for debt advice grows

The Money Advice Hub is a pilot led by Citizens Advice in North and West Kent, in partnership with a network of Citizens Advice offices in Kent, Debt Free London and funded by Kent County Council’s Helping Hands Scheme.

Free and confidential, advice is accessed via a range of digital channels including WhatsApp, video calling and messaging, on top of the traditional phone service plus Hub kiosks have been located within a number of communities.

People can access the service by going to the Kent Money Advice Hub website, calling 0800 808 5622 or from kiosks which have been installed in the following locations:

• Gravesend Civic Centre, Windmill St, Gravesend (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
• Cliftonville Community Centre, St. Paul’s Rd, Margate (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30am to 3:30pm and Tuesday 9:30am to 1pm)
• Aylesham BeChange at Ackholt Rd, Aylesham (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 3:30pm)
• Ramsgate Salvation Army Centre, 167A High St (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 12pm and Tuesday 8am to 12pm)
• The Willow Children’s Centre, Brookfield Rd, Ashford (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 4:30pm and Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm).

Most are in private spaces, but where kiosks are located in public spaces, there is an option to arrange an appointment on the Kent Money Advice Hub website, or contacting the Money Advice Hub on 0800 808 5622 by phone or WhatsApp.

Money advice is not just about dealing with debt, it includes looking at the causes of money issues and can help people if they lack sufficient income to meet household costs, have difficulty budgeting effectively, are threatened with homelessness or have had a family breakdown. All money-related worries can be raised at the Hub.

Leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough said

"The cost of living crisis means more people than ever before need help, advice and support regarding money."

"We know concerns over financial circumstances can lead to stress, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. This excellent non-judgmental service is about finding a practical way forward. By utilising a range of digital resources, people can access the new Money Advice Hub in a way that works for them. We’re confident people in Kent will benefit from this free community-based service, a lifeline which makes the most of technology to help tackle money issues."

Connie, Debt Advisor, Citizens Advice, added:

"More and more people in Kent are facing significant financial challenges because of the rising cost of living. We know that the poorest and more vulnerable people in society are being hit hardest, but we are also seeing those on low and middle incomes struggling to adapt to the need to budget. People have used their savings to cope during the pandemic and now don’t have the financial cushion to cope with rising costs."

Angela Newey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice in North and West Kent, commented:

"We’re pleased to be leading this new project in Kent.  It will support people before they get into debt as well as helping those who are already unable to meet day to day costs. We’re urging anyone who is even slightly worried about money to look for help sooner rather than later.  Taking that first step and asking for help is often the hardest part, but by acting now and getting in touch, many people could avoid going into crisis."

There is cost of living support information on the Kent County Council website.

For further information and interview requests please contact Alessandra McKenna on 07967 976652 or via email on communications@nwkent.cab.org.uk.

ENDS.