Foster launches new debt advice helpline
Tuesday, 6 October 2009Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched ‘advice4debtNI’, the new telephone based debt advice service for Northern Ireland.
The Minister said: “From today, anyone in Northern Ireland can call 0800 917 4607 and receive free, confidential and unbiased debt advice, specific to their needs. advice4debtNI is a new front in the battle to address consumer debt.
“Since 2005, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has provided funding for face to face debt advice, however we sought to extend the range of advice available, and awarded a £400,000 two year contract to Action for Employment (A4e) earlier this year, to deliver a free, confidential and impartial telephone based debt advice service.
“The new service is the first publicly funded debt helpline based in Northern Ireland. It is staffed by local people and aims to provide a tailored service, to meet the needs of local callers.”
The service has been operational since 1 September 2009.
The Minister continued: “With many people across the entire social spectrum in Northern Ireland experiencing the impact of the current economic crisis, debt has become one of the most serious and damaging problems affecting our communities.
“advice4debtNI is another important part of the Northern Ireland debt remedy jigsaw. It is absolutely confidential and allows clients to take charge of their affairs from their own home. While it identifies those who may need further help, it also reduces the demand on face to face debt advice outlets, leaving those advisers with more time to devote to the most dependent clients.
“advice4debtNI will therefore go some way to easing the pressure on the face to face debt advice service and provide people from across Northern Ireland with another effective way to access to help and support.”
The phone service operates from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Outside of these hours, callers are encouraged to leave voice messages which will be followed up on the next working day.
The service also is complemented by a website, www.advice4debtNI.com, which provides consumers with easy to access, downloadable factsheets, budget planners and a range of sample letters for to use in correspondence regarding debt issues.
Notes to Editors:
1. Action for Employment (A4e) was founded in Sheffield in 1991. It is a privately owned organisation offering employment, welfare, education, training and business support services to the public and private sectors.
2. A4e works with Government departments, across the world, to provide front line public services in the areas of Exclusion and Advice; Employment and Welfare; Education and Skills; Enterprise and Business.
3. In July 2006, A4e opened its first office in Northern Ireland.
4. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
Connect with US
