Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, has given his support to Crosslight Debt Advice’s important social action.
Crosslight Debt Advice is a charity which has been operating in West London for over four years. It is a collaboration between churches in west London and operates as part of the William Wilberforce Trust. Their service is completely free, and offers independent advice, practical assistance and ongoing support to anyone suffering under the burden of debt or who may have got themselves into financial difficulty. This includes those who may have fallen behind with their rent or Council Tax, as well as those who need help with other debts.
They also run a series of basic budgeting and money education courses - the Money Course (www.themoneycourse.org) for those who may not be in acute debt but may be struggling managing their finances nonetheless. Their aim is simple, to help people lift themselves out of their current difficulties and get them back on their feet.
Over the past few years Crosslight have helped over 500 residents of both RBKC and LBHF, both boroughs which form part of Greg’s constituency, to get out of debt.
Greg recently made a visit to Crosslight Debt Advice service in the Royal Borough, at St Augustine Church, Queens Gate, to see first-hand how the Holy Trinity Brompton offshoot service provides debt advice in both Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham, and as the local MP to assist in their further efforts.
Greg Hands said “I’m pleased that such a good initiative is working in my constituency. Crosslight provide an excellent debt advice service to people who have fallen into personal financial problems, often through joblessness, addiction problems, or other personal circumstances. They are very successful at what they do, are going from strength to strength. Crosslight’s work also compliments the welfare work of the local councils, and I hope to be able to use my role as MP to improve this mutual working relationship.
“I wish to make more residents aware of Crosslight and encourage anyone who is getting into financial difficulties, to contact them, and see what help is available. It is best for people to do this as early as possible, as the earlier in the process advice is sought, often the more can be done to help. Potential volunteers who would like to offer their time or expertise, may also contact the service.”
Crosslight currently run two branches, in South Kensington, and in Hammersmith, with 4 members of staff and 45 volunteer advisers. New client appointments usually occur on Monday evenings, Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and are approved intermediaries for Debt Relief Orders and will help clients at Court and through bankruptcy if appropriate.
As well as helping people get back on a more secure financial path, Crosslight are able help people deal with the issues underlying their debt problems, such as health or family problems. Crosslight are able to refer them to partners who can offer further support, such as the NHS, counsellors or local authorities.
Crosslight’s parent charity, The William Wilberforce Trust, also runs a pan-addiction recovery programme, a drop-in for the homeless and socially excluded, a course for those facing depression, and has 15 professional counsellors and psychotherapists/psychiatrists providing pro-bono support for clients – so they are able to refer clients on to other sources of support if appropriate.