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How to get talking
Regular discussion point.
Building questions about money/debt into
ongoing assessments can help clients feel
more comfortable talking about these issues.
Talking whilst doing.
Doing something practical and money-related,
such as reviewing weekly spending with clients, can lead to
discussions about income, expenditure and debt.
Looking out for any ‘debt
signs’
These can signal that debt might be causing a
problem for a client.
What to look and listen for
Letters about court summons or
bailiffs.
These debts need immediate action. Other
indicators include:
- when a client is paying minimum repayments
(or less) on credit cards
- struggling or failing to pay bills on
time
- paying penalty fees
- being contacted by debt collection
agencies about unpaid bills
- using credit to live on.
When discussing debt
Write down any agreed tasks and
actions.
Help clients to voice any fears they
have. Concerns about imprisonment or bailiffs will
stop a client from fully concentrating, unless you deal with these
issues first.
Be aware that clients in debt often
have feelings of hopelessness. Workers need to avoid
raising expectations but still provide hope.
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