Identifying that a client might have a debt problem and then getting them to  talk about it is a major achievement.  Now, what are the options?

Money advice

A money adviser is trained in providing money advice and support. They can:

• help clients manage their debt
• negotiate with creditors to establish an acceptable repayment schedule
• advise clients on other sources of help or options.
  

Money advice should be free, confidential and independent.

More information

Some clients will always want more information – either because they feel they might tackle the issue themselves or as a delaying tactic. Try to have  information to hand, or in a waiting room. 

The client doesn’t want help

Some clients will want to resolve their own problems. However, they should still contact a money advice service. Some services specialise in guiding clients to work through their own debt problems. Furthermore, some creditors will only work with clients who have a money adviser. 

The client wants your help

Clients will sometimes only want you to deal with their debt.  Most workers, however, will not have the resources to do this. Instead, making a commitment to working with the person alongside a money adviser may reassure the client, as well as being beneficial for the adviser.