Families in Wales are facing a bleak New Year as they struggle with debt after the Christmas period.  More than three in ten people in Wales who pay rent or mortgage will be cutting back on winter essentials this year including heating and clothing in order to meet their housing payments.  And more than one in ten are worried about meeting their rent or mortgage payments for the month of January.

Shelter Cymru is pleading with people in financial shock after Christmas to contact their services for specialist advice in order to avoid losing their homes.  If people are worried about how they are going to meet the increasing cost of living in January and struggling with paying their rent or mortgage, Shelter Cymru can help.  It is vital that these people get help as early as possible to avoid homelessness.

Shelter Cymru helped nearly 16,000 people last year which resulted in over dealing with over 25,000 related problems.  In 93% of these cases, Shelter Cymru managed to avoid homelessness – a record high for the charity.

Shelter Cymru can help families facing debt.  In 2015 our debt advice service helped almost one thousand households and we dealt with over £18 million of debt. This was provided by our specialist debt, benefits advice and support services.

Michelle Wales, Head of Campaigns for Shelter Cymru says “This time of year we see so many families in Wales struggling to make ends meet after the Christmas period but Shelter Cymru is here to help and offer advice. There is no shame in asking for help. The sooner the better.  Nobody needs to face these difficulties alone”.

Our debt advice service works closely with partners across Wales. If you need help please contact Shelter Cymru on 08000 495 495 or visit advice online.