06/11/2024
£1.3m Boost For Debt Advice Services In Northern Ireland
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has announced the allocation of £1.3 million for an Integrated Advice Partnership Fund. This funding will be administered by local councils to enhance existing debt services and provide alternative pathways to debt advice for individuals and families across Northern Ireland.
The Minister revealed the news in an Oral Statement to the Assembly. The fund will enable councils to commission collaborative projects between local organisations and advice providers, ensuring that debt advice services are more accessible in areas with high demand.
By investing in these partnerships, the Minister aims to empower individuals and families to overcome financial difficulties and improve their overall well-being.
Welcoming the fund, Minister Lyons said: "The Integrated Advice Partnership Fund will promote a community-focused approach to debt advice provision. We know that, despite the pressing need for debt advice, there remains a significant gap between those who could benefit from it and those actively seeking and taking up that support." The Minister continued: "In developing this Fund, we engaged with groups such as Christians Against Poverty and Trussell Trust, who are working with those impacted by disadvantage. It is these groups and others working in their local communities who will be involved in these local partnership models to leverage their expertise and broaden our reach."
"By enabling organisations to work together, we can draw on their combined expertise and resources, making it possible to deliver tailored advice that is responsive to the complex needs of our citizens."
Concluding, Minister Lyons said: "This initiative will complement the existing NI Debt Advice Service provided by my department through our partner, Advice NI. Together, we have built a strong foundation of support for those facing financial hardship, and this new fund will complement that provision. This fund reflects my commitment to making support available to people in every corner of Northern Ireland. By working closely with local councils and community organisations, we can ensure that those facing financial difficulties will be able to access the support they need, when they need it."
The Minister revealed the news in an Oral Statement to the Assembly. The fund will enable councils to commission collaborative projects between local organisations and advice providers, ensuring that debt advice services are more accessible in areas with high demand.
By investing in these partnerships, the Minister aims to empower individuals and families to overcome financial difficulties and improve their overall well-being.
Welcoming the fund, Minister Lyons said: "The Integrated Advice Partnership Fund will promote a community-focused approach to debt advice provision. We know that, despite the pressing need for debt advice, there remains a significant gap between those who could benefit from it and those actively seeking and taking up that support." The Minister continued: "In developing this Fund, we engaged with groups such as Christians Against Poverty and Trussell Trust, who are working with those impacted by disadvantage. It is these groups and others working in their local communities who will be involved in these local partnership models to leverage their expertise and broaden our reach."
"By enabling organisations to work together, we can draw on their combined expertise and resources, making it possible to deliver tailored advice that is responsive to the complex needs of our citizens."
Concluding, Minister Lyons said: "This initiative will complement the existing NI Debt Advice Service provided by my department through our partner, Advice NI. Together, we have built a strong foundation of support for those facing financial hardship, and this new fund will complement that provision. This fund reflects my commitment to making support available to people in every corner of Northern Ireland. By working closely with local councils and community organisations, we can ensure that those facing financial difficulties will be able to access the support they need, when they need it."
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17 July 2006
Citizens Advice to provide debt guidance
Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland has been awarded a debt advice contract by the government. Minister Maria Eagle said: "Debt in Northern Ireland is having an adverse economic, social and personal impact on the lives of many people here. This new debt advice contract will help clients to regain control of their financial affairs.
Citizens Advice to provide debt guidance
Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland has been awarded a debt advice contract by the government. Minister Maria Eagle said: "Debt in Northern Ireland is having an adverse economic, social and personal impact on the lives of many people here. This new debt advice contract will help clients to regain control of their financial affairs.
06 January 2010
New Year Debt Advice Office Opens
A new additional face-to-face debt advice service for Northern Ireland has opened this week.
New Year Debt Advice Office Opens
A new additional face-to-face debt advice service for Northern Ireland has opened this week.
14 January 2009
Citizens' Advice Deals With Debts
Credit cards, personal loans and bank loans are foremost in the work of a government-backed debt advice service. At this 'fag-end' of the year - when pre-Christmas excesses begin to bite on finances - debt advice funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is said to be helping the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland society.
Citizens' Advice Deals With Debts
Credit cards, personal loans and bank loans are foremost in the work of a government-backed debt advice service. At this 'fag-end' of the year - when pre-Christmas excesses begin to bite on finances - debt advice funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is said to be helping the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland society.
18 January 2013
NI Debt Service Launched
A new debt advice service has been launched across Northern Ireland by Advice NI. The new service follows a £2.5m award from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The integrated debt advice, Debt Action NI, service will run until 2015.
NI Debt Service Launched
A new debt advice service has been launched across Northern Ireland by Advice NI. The new service follows a £2.5m award from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The integrated debt advice, Debt Action NI, service will run until 2015.
30 January 2024
Groundhog Day: Advice NI Urges Households To Seek Support As 'Heat Or Eat' Conundrum Continues
NI's largest advice charity dealt with 4,062 cases and £43.4 million in household debt during 2023 As Groundhog Day approaches, Advice NI is encouraging households to seek financial advice and free themselves from the seemingly never-ending cycle of debt.
Groundhog Day: Advice NI Urges Households To Seek Support As 'Heat Or Eat' Conundrum Continues
NI's largest advice charity dealt with 4,062 cases and £43.4 million in household debt during 2023 As Groundhog Day approaches, Advice NI is encouraging households to seek financial advice and free themselves from the seemingly never-ending cycle of debt.