Debt Awareness Week 2025
This Debt Awareness Week, we want to explore some questions:
Why is it hard to talk about debt?
What can be done to deal with debt?
How can people have those difficult conversations about their financial worries?
Finding yourself in debt or financial difficulty can be a frightening experience which can leave you feeling lost, not knowing which way to turn. But Crosslight Advice, and other debt advice organisations, are here to help.
Why is it hard to talk about debt?
People can find themselves in debt for a variety of reasons: personal circumstances or life-changing events can have a major impact on someone’s financial situation, and this can happen in the blink of an eye. Loss of job, relationship breakdown, illness, a bereavement and rent increases are just some of the things that can have a marked and potentially devastating impact on someone’s life and land them in debt, and these are sometimes difficult to talk about.
Sharon, one of our Branch Managers, writes: “If you’ve fallen into debt, you are not alone! It happens to lots of people and there is no need to feel ashamed. Almost always there are difficult circumstances which have led to the debts. The help is out there and you shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask for it. Getting support can help you feel less alone and less overwhelmed.”
If you are struggling and fall into debt, the most important first step is to ask for help. Everyone is entitled to free and unbiased debt advice and you can find details of where you can access this by using the Money Helper directory here.
Dealing with debt: Crosslight Advice style
At Crosslight, the first thing we do is spend time to fully understand your situation and circumstances, so we provide a safe space for you to open up and simply tell your story. Everyone is different, but when you start on your journey with Crosslight, we will usually follow some simple steps when advising you.
Mike, a long-standing Case Manager at Crosslight, emphasises that “receiving debt advice and support should never feel like an interrogation; the whole process is a joint effort between your adviser and you. Debt Advisers are on YOUR team, and standing between you and the creditors.”
One of our clients, Sarah, shared how she felt when she first started working with Crosslight: "I was in a bad way and nervous about everything. Finances are such a personal thing; it’s not normal to talk to someone about exactly how much you’re spending on everything. I found it hard to open up and be totally honest at first, but my adviser was very professional and made me feel at home when I spoke with him. He was a very gentle and caring person. It is so important to get the help you need when it comes to debt!”
Talking to others about debt & Breaking the sILENCE
That first step in talking to someone about your financial issues can feel like a mammoth undertaking, but as Shequila, a member of our Advice Services team, shares: “there is no reason to feel ashamed, many people are, sadly, suffering in silence, and you are not alone. It’s important to talk about debt because it’s one of those things that keeps people up at night. It’s something that’s always at the back of people’s minds and is eating away at them. Talking about debt gives people control over their situation. It’s okay to admit you’re struggling, or you need help, that’s what organisations like Crosslight are for! Being honest gets rid of that anxiety and you can start to move forward.”
Case Manager Sunny feels it’s important to speak to those you trust about debt: “Whilst in some cases it may be difficult to open up to family and friends, it is good to have a support system you are familiar with to help you through the situation. You can also approach local advice services for specialist tailored advice. Struggling with debt and money alone can be isolating and overwhelming. Sharing your struggles and working collaboratively can help encourage practical ways to tackle the issue. Being in debt is not a definition of your worth and it is something everyone may experience at some point during their lifetime. Acknowledging you need help with debt is an achievement in itself.”
Gail, a client who secured a Debt Relief Order through working with Crosslight, wants to encourage others to open up about their financial situation. She says: “my advice to others struggling is that debt doesn’t have to be something you have to ignore and feel guilty or shame about. It really is one of the easiest things to deal with when you have someone supporting you who is non-judgmental. It is so important to take that first step towards ‘normality’ again.”
This Debt Awareness Week, if you’re worried about debt, try to take the plunge and open up to someone you trust about your financial situation or concerns. If debt isn’t an issue for you personally, why not make some time to check in with your friends and family to see how they’re really doing? Starting any conversation about debt, money or budgeting can be life-changing!
Could you help Crosslight Advice support those in need?
We would be incredibly appreciative of any support you can give to enable us to continue providing free debt advice to those struggling the most in our local communities. You can find more information on how you can do this below, and if you have any questions or suggestions please get in touch with the Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@crosslightadvice.org.
