Northern social housing provider, Johnnie Johnson Housing, is taking action to support their residents in debt crisis by partnering with the UK’s leading debt charity StepChange.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on personal finances across the UK. Research by StepChange shows that many households are facing growing levels of personal debt or find themselves at risk of financial difficulty.
Johnnie Johnson Housing’s new partnership with StepChange allows the social housing provider to refer residents, in debt crisis, directly to the charity for support.
Allison Howe, Income Services Officer at Johnnie Johnson Housing commented: “As a housing provider with over 5,000 properties we have a responsibility to help our residents who are facing financial difficulty. There has never been a more crucial time to partner up with StepChange as the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on our residents’ personal finances, as well as thousands of others across the nation.”
“We recognise that if our residents are struggling with debt, they may be finding it difficult to make bill payments and voice their concerns. Our new partnership with StepChange will mean we can signpost residents directly to an expert debt advisor for support.”
Following on from the referral, residents will be contacted by a debt advisor from StepChange who will be able to put a personalised action plan in place.
Jamie Ellis, Johnnie Johnson Housing’s Welfare Benefits Advisor, has been encouraging residents to get the financial support they need.
He said: “Dealing with debt can be a confusing and scary time for many. We understand that it can make many people feel overwhelmed or pressured to take out loans that they can’t afford. That is why we are so proud to be working with StepChange, as they can put solutions in place to make their finances manageable again. It is reassuring to know that we can signpost customers to StepChange, where they will be provided with confidential debt advice and money guidance.”
It is great to see that Johnnie Johnson Housing recognises that they need to offer additional support to residents, in debt crisis, and has taken action by partnering with StepChange.