Debt Free London is will operate its free debt advice service 24-hours a day throughout January in response to a huge upsurge in the number of people struggling with problem debt and financial insecurity due to the pandemic.
Seventy new advisers have been recruited to help respond to the increased demand, with funding from Thrive London.
Research shows one in three people have relied on some form of debt to simply get by since March 2020, and one in ten have missed a bill or debt repayment in the same period. January is often their busiest time of year.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on our nation’s economy and hit the personal finances of some of the most vulnerable people in our city hardest.
“With many households already juggling work, remote learning and caring responsibilities, concerns about debt are yet another heavy burden.
“That is why I’m pleased that Debt Free London and Thrive LDN will offer guidance around the clock to ensure struggling Londoners can get free support whenever they need it.”
Call or WhatsApp the free helpline on 0800 808 5700 or visit www.debtfree.london.