'Unprecedented' numbers seeking debt help post-Christmas, say charities

People who are worried about their financial situation have deteriorated into something that is impossible, according to debt charities. Following a particularly costly year, the first weeks of January are usually the busiest time for helplines. StepChange, an advice company, said Monday that Monday was busier than any single day last year, and that credit counseling firm Money Wellness said a quarter of those using its services at the turn of the year did so between 22:00 and 03:00. Dave Murphy is working his way out of debt and said creditors' calls could have risen, but he urged people struggling to seek support - for their financial and mental wellbeing.

Thousands of people attended Money Wellness, a free debt and wealth management company, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Money Wellness. People can now locate information outside of normal hours, including overnight, with increased assistance online.

The numbers we're seeing over Christmas and New Year are unprecedented,

Sebrina McCullough, the company's head of research, said. "People often feel pressure to celebrate the holidays even though funds are limited, and our survey shows that many people are turning to us late at night when they are most anxious.

Pressure of priority bills

On Christmas Day, StepChange's website received 3,958 visitors on Christmas Day and 15,401 on New Year's Eve and 1 January combined. Some people may have simply been considering their choices, but calls came in thick and fast at the beginning of the month. Although not at the point of the energy crisis a few years ago, call numbers were up on last year. According to the Money Advice Trust, which runs National Debtline, the first working days of January had more calls than those of last year. When 1,365 calls came in, Monday was the busiest single day in the country's history. Concerns regarding priority bills such as council tax and rent are particularly acute among those struggling to pay priority bills. With £4, the cooler weather could place more strain on vulnerable households. Following a period of high prices, the government has already owed to energy providers, although in several regions, the Government's scold weather payments have been initiated. Charities are urging anyone whose debt has become unmanageable to seek assistance as soon as possible rather than ignoring the situation and making it worse. Dave has shared this viewpoint, who has found his way out of pain. When he was unexpectedly made redundant while still going through a divorce, he realized his previously manageable credit card debt became a problem. They were two very exciting things in six months, Dave, who has previously talked to the BBC about his debt problems.

At its peak, the debt soared from £20,000 to £25,000. It became so overwhelming. You suspect you are letting creditors down because you want to do what they ask of you, but you are afraid, you are renting, and at times it is impossible to get through each day.

Once you are in a spiral, it's really difficult to get out of it.

He is now working in insurance, his debts are manageable, and paid off, and he hopes to help others

to show that you can get through these things. The Bank of England's figures, released earlier this week, fuelled fears that everyday expenses were getting more difficult for some households to handle without resorting to borrowing. According to the results, credit card borrowing soared at the fastest annual rate in nearly two years in the run-up to Christmas. The annual credit card borrowing rate increased to 12. 12. 1% in November, from 10. 9% the previous month, the highest figure since January 2024, when it was 12. 5%.