There are a number organisations that can help you if you are struggling with debt or paying your rent.
The below advice agencies offer free, confidential and non-judgmental support and information:
– 170 Community Project
– Age UK Lewisham & Southwark
– Carers Lewisham
– Evelyn 190 Centre
– Deptford Reach
– Advice Lewisham at the Leemore Centre
– Citizens Advice
– Lewisham Multi-lingual Advice Service
To find out more about how to get in touch with any of these agencies, please contact the Welfare Benefits team.
Other organisations that can help
Lewisham Plus Credit Union
We work with Lewisham Credit Plus Union who can help you open a bank account or savings account, as well as seeing if you can qualify for a low interest loan.
020 8778 4738
admin@pluscu.co.uk
The Albany, Unit 13a-b, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG (open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am – 3pm)
Lewisham Council Housing Benefit
020 8690 8444
Lewisham Jobcentre Plus
0845 604 3719
9 – 19 Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 2HZ
FORVIL (The Federation for Refugees from Vietnam in Lewisham)
020 8694 0952 or 020 8469 0364
info@forvil.org.uk
Evelyn Community Centre, 1 Kingfisher Square, Wooton Road, SE8 5TW
Somali and Somaliland London Community
Community advice service for help with housing, financial, social issues.
020 8469 1610
info@sslc.co.uk
Evelyn Community Centre, 1 Kingfisher Square, Wooton Road, SE8 5TW
AFRIL (Action for Refugees in Lewisham)
Free advice service for refugees and asylum seekers.
020 8297 4111
F3, Leemore Central Community Hub, Bonfield Road, Lewisham, SE13 5ES
National Debt Line
A national helpline for people with debt problems. The service is free, confidential and independent.
0808 808 4000
StepChange Debt Charity
Offers impartial debt advice and support with issues such as bailiffs, free of charge. You can also get advice online with StepChange’s Debt Remedy tool.
0800 138 1111
Emmaus Lambeth
Find second hand goods, from furniture to electrical goods and clothes, at bargain prices across four shops in South London.
Money Advice Service
Offers free, clear and unbiased advice to help you manage your money.
0800 138 7777
The Money Advice Service could also help you get back on track with its online tools. The online Debt Tests below offer a range of in depth support, including free, tailored and impartial advice on dealing with debt, managing your money and budgeting.
It can also signpost you to other helpful organisations if you need further support and advice with your finances, and provides a webchat service and Freephone telephone number if you would prefer to talk to someone in person.