Free face-to-face debt advice in Swindon

Crosslight Swindon will be launching free face-to-face debt advice appointments from Monday, 21 June.

The service is the result of a collaboration between Pattern Church - Swindon's newest Anglican church - and Crosslight Advice, a debt advice charity who currently operate 10 branches across London and the South of England.

Crosslight Swindon has a vision to restore dignity and renew hope to those in need by alleviating poverty and improving financial capability.

Amy Williams, branch manager of Crosslight Swindon at Pattern Church, said: “More than ever our communities need holistic, person-centred debt advice and support. Especially with the upcoming closure of the Honda plant, we feel now more than ever is an important time to make sure these services are available free of charge to the people of Swindon.

"At Crosslight, we are passionate about each individual client’s journey out of debt and providing an in-depth, person-centred service. 

"We operate a full casework model providing face-to-face advice for our clients and will provide support for as long as a client continues to need it.”

The launch of Crosslight Swindon coincides with soaring debt levels across the UK, with over 6m adults struggling to pay essential bills according to data from Citizens Advice. The centre will provide face-to-face debt advice, money education, and budgeting support to individuals and families in need. 

Funding for the centre, along backing from the church, was received from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, as well as the Love Your Neighbour national campaign, a church-led, grassroots emergency response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Appointments are currently being held over the phone whilst lockdown restrictions are still in place. However, this is set to change on 21 June with half of appointments set to be face-to-face.

Further information can be found at www.crosslightadvice.org/help and on 02070520318, and the church's website is https://patternchurch.org/