Debt charity experiences surge in demand for support

In it’s 2023 Impact Report published earlier this month, debt charity ‘StepChange’ which supported half a million people in it’s 30th year says it saw dramatic changes in its client profiles with people in higher income brackets now seeking advice.

A busy year for debt advice

The debt charity reports offering full debt advice to 183,403 clients, representing a 10% increase from the previous year and guided an additional 277,621 with 17,456 individuals becoming debt-free as a result of their assistance.

The continued cost-of-living crisis has understandably exacerbated debt issues for many, with better paid individuals now seeking advice more frequently.

The charity observed a 10.4% rise in the average income of its clients, surpassing the UK wage growth rate. There was also a slight increase in the proportion of clients with a mortgage, rising to 13.8% in 2023.

Debt charity remains committed to its mission

Despite increased financial hardship, ‘StepChange’ continues its mission of preventing the harm caused by debt and helping individuals regain financial stability.

The charity utilised all available tools to improve outcomes for those struggling with debt including their online benefits checker which identified over £12.7 million per month of additional benefits entitlements for clients.

Digital support for those in debt is important

Digital support emerged as a significant focus for ‘StepChange’ and its partners in 2023.

Sixty-one percent of clients completed their entire debt advice journey online, the highest proportion since the online journey was introduced in 2007.

Additionally, one in four clients opted for a combination of both online and telephone advice.

Their CEO, Vikki Brownridge, emphasized the importance of debt advice, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of partners and the introduction of new initiatives aimed at improving client outcomes.

Allen Carr’s Easyway also experienced an increase in the number of people accessing it’s get out of debt programme and again, there is a change in the income level of those seeking help.

Book or digital support – there is something to suit everyone

Allen Carr’s ‘Get Out of Debt Now’ book continues to achieve rave reviews on Amazon – with the extremely affordable paperback book, audiobook, or e-book achieving 4.5 stars out of 5!

Sales of their groundbreaking online video programme presents the method of becoming debt-free in a dynamic, easy to follow, audio-visual presentation.

Global CEO, John Dicey, reassures people living with debt, “I understand the massive impact that debt can have on people as it accumulates and how impossible it can appear when trying to climb out of what feels like a bottomless pit. The most important thing is to reach out for help and there are lots of organisations out there to provide it. You should never feel alone and hopeless no matter how impossible your situation might seem – there is always a way to get through it”.

Further reading

• Read more about ‘StepChange’
• Find out how Allen Carr’s Easyway can help you to get out of debt now!
• Find out how your local Citizens Advice can help
• You’re never alone and The Samaritans can provide a friendly ear and signpost practical help too.