Housing association believe housing has been recognised nationally for its work to protect customers from illegal money lenders, often known as loan sharks.
The not-for-profit landlord, which manages more than 18,000 homes across County Durham and beyond, has been awarded partner status by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (Stop Loan Sharks).
The accreditation highlights believe housing’s work with colleagues, local partners and communities to help people understand what loan sharks are, the harm they cause, how to spot the signs, and how to report concerns safely.
This includes community events, staff training, and joint work with partners including Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary and NEFirst Credit Union to offer residents simple, safe advice on avoiding illegal lenders and finding better financial support.
Gavin Coleman, Money Matters and Tenancy Sustainment Team Leader at believe housing, said: “We’re proud to gain partner status with the England Illegal Money Lending Team.
“It recognises the hard work colleagues are doing to raise awareness of loan sharks, share important information, and ensure we can spot the signs and support customers who may be at risk.”
He added that the accreditation also reflects strong partnership work to tackle illegal lending and promote safer financial choices, helping customers feel confident reporting concerns and asking for help.
Dave Benbow, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “We are delighted to have believe housing on board as an official partner and we are grateful to the team there for doing so much to help in the fight against illegal lending.
“We work with partners like believe housing across England and we rely on them to be our eyes and ears in communities where illegal lenders might operate.
“Organisations like believe housing have those personal relationships with clients which means they might be the first to spot the signs that someone has been targeted by an illegal lender.
“By working with us they can help ensure those people get the expert help and support they need.”
believe housing’s Money Matters Team offers free, confidential support to help customers manage their money and avoid unsafe borrowing.
The team can help with accessing benefits and grants, reducing household bills, and exploring safer alternatives to borrowing.
Customers can contact believe housing by calling 0300 1311 999 or emailing hello@believehousing.co.uk
More information is available at www.believehousing.co.uk/in-your-home/payments/money-guidance/
Residents can also visit www.durham.gov.uk/helpwithyourmoney for further support.
Or find free, impartial help with money, backed by the government, at www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
To report an illegal lender, contact Stop Loan Sharks on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. You can also send a WhatsApp message to 07700 102773 between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday.
Always call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
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