Advice organisations
If you cannot deal with the problems yourself, there are a number of services that offer free, confidential and independent advice. You can also search for a legal adviser or solicitor using the Government’s legal adviser finder on their website.
Our Newham Money
112-118 The Grove
Stratford
London E15 1NS
Tel: 020 8430 2041
Email: ournewhammoney@newham.gov.uk
If you are coming for an appointment, please ensure to bring relevant documents with you e.g:
- Proof of income (which could be a bank statement)
- The latest letters and statements you have on all your debts.
The advice is free, confidential and impartial, independent of other council services.
Community Links: Barking Road
105 Barking Road
Canning Town
E16 4HQ
Community Links can offer appointments for people struggling with debt and can advise on bankruptcy, rent arrears, utilities debt, credit arrears and debt relief orders (DRO’s). Community Links can help to restructure or write off debt and negotiate affordable payment arrangements. Please visit the Community Links website for more information.
They can help you with advice on water debt as well as providing money management support to help you reach a more secure financial position. We can help clients write off water debt and receive new kitchen white goods through our Thames Water programme.
Call 0207 473 2270 from Monday to Friday (9.30-5.30) to set up an initial appointment with a debt adviser.
There are no drop-in appointments.
Community Links also work with a corporate lawyers to offer a free drop-in evening law surgery twice per week. The team offer legal advice on some areas of consumer, private housing and employment law. No appointments are necessary but as we rely on volunteers, sometimes you may not be seen and have to return on another day.
The sessions run on Wednesdays at 4pm. Registration starts at 5pm. Please note that we work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Stratford Advice Arcade
107-109 The Grove
Stratford
London
E15 1HP
Outreach advice sessions are provided by Toynbee Hall on Mondays. To make an appointment visit the Arcade or phone 020 8221 1995.
Stratford Advice Arcade website
Step Change Debt Charity
Step Change offer telephone advice and an online debt tool to help you work out what may be the best course of action for you. Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm. Call 0800 138 1111.
National Debtline
The National Debtline offer telephone advice, web-based information and online personal advice. Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. To get web-based information or online personal advice, call 0808 808 4000.
Civil Legal Advice
For people on a low income or in receipt of benefits, whose debt problems put them at immediate risk of homelessness can call the Civil Legal Advice line on 0845 345 4345, lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 12.30pm.
Community Legal Advice from Directgov
Business Debtline
Business Debtline offer phone and online advice and information for people who are self-employed. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm. Call 0800 197 6026.