Help for Southwark residents with housing arrears.

Southwark Council is working in partnership with the voluntary sector, and Southwark Credit Union to try and deal with some of the difficulties people may have caused by the recession.

There are a number of Government schemes that may help people who are worried about paying their housing costs.

Money advice agencies can help you work out whether you’d be eligible for any of the current schemes.

Whether you are a tennant or homeowner, living in a house or a flat, you can find more information on the schemes by calling the Housing Options service on 020 7525 5950 or see ‘Get help from the Government schemes’ at www.directgov.uk

For independent advice on issues like debt and benefits contact:

Blackfriars Advice Centre

Unit 214

Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre

London SE1 6TE

Drop in advice sessions Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 12:30pm

Bermondsey CAB

8 Market Place, Southwark Park Road

London SE16 3UQ

Drop in advice sessions Tuesday, Thursday 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm

Peckham CAB

97 Peckham High Street

London, SE15 5RS

Drop in advice sessions Monday, Wednesday 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm Friday 10am-12noon

Telephone advice 0844 499 4134 Monday to Thursday 10am -12noon

Visit the Southwark Legal Advice Website for up to date information on local advice services www.southwarkadvice.org.uk

National Debt Line is an independent charity that helps you deal with debt problems. Phone 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Shelter is a charity that offers you help with housing, mortgage debt or problems with welfare benefits. Phone the free mortgage helpline on 0300 330 0515 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday (incl Bank Holidays) and 8am to 5pm on Saturdays to Sundays (some mobile networks may charge for calls to this number). Or, you can visit www.shelter.org.uk/adviceonline

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed because of your mortgage, debt or financial problems, the NHS has launched a Credit Crunch stressline on 0300 123 2000 where you can discuss with an expert the issues that are affecting you and your family.