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

A new Kent Money Advice Hub launched on 28 November 2022, to support people who are struggling financially or need help to manage the increasing cost of living.

The service is available for anyone who is worried about money and aims to encourage those who may be reluctant to come forward for money advice to take the first step.

Research* from Citizens Advice shows that in the three months to September 2022, the number of people needing debt advice grew by 16%. The pressing debt issues** concerning people in the past year have centred on fuel debts, council tax arrears, rent arrears and credit and store card debts.

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 Kent Money Advice Hub by visiting http://www.kentmoneyadvicehub.com, calling 0800 808 5622, and from kiosks which have been installed in the following locations:

• Gravesend Civic Centre, Windmill St, Gravesend. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
• Cliftonville Community Centre, St. Paul’s Rd, Margate. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 9.30am-3.30pm and Tue 9.30-1pm
• Aylesham BeChange at Aylesham Community Workshop Trust, The Old School, Ackholt Rd. Open Mon-Thu 8am-9pm & Fri 8am-5pm
• Ramsgate Salvation Army Centre, 167A High St. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 9am to 12 noon and Tue and Fri 8am to 12 noon
• The Willow Children’s Centre, Brookfield Rd, Ashford. Open 9am to 4.30pm Mon, Wed and Fri and 8.30am to 4.30pm Tue and Thu.

Most are in private spaces, but where kiosks are located in public spaces, there is an option to arrange an appointment by visiting http://www.kentmoneyadvicehub.com, 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.

For more cost of living support visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/cost-of-living-support