The community hub Your Space and Citizens Advice Solent East, both in central Gosport, have become the latest organisations to join a new national crackdown on loan sharks by signing up to be an official access point for the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, is building a network of physical access points across England where people who have been targeted by a loan shark can safely and easily reach expert support.
It means that even those who may not have access to a phone or computer, or even a safe space to make the call, will now have the ability to get in touch.
While the Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7 via its confidential helpline, it covers the whole of England and does not have a physical office that the public can visit. This new initiative aims to bridge that gap by inviting community organisations to become an official access point that people can visit in person and get the support they need to make the call.
Your Space and Citizens Advice Solent East staff and volunteers will be able to assist anyone coming in who wants to get in touch with Stop Loan Sharks team. They will help people make initial contact, whether via phone, email, or the online Live Chat service. They will provide a safe space, access to the Stop Loan Sharks website, and emotional support.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “When people have been targeted by an illegal lender, they often feel alone and isolated, and taking the first step to get help can be overwhelming. For those without access to a phone, computer, or a safe space to make contact, it can be impossible.
“These new access points are a lifeline. People can drop in and get the practical support they need to make that first move toward safety. We’re thrilled that Your Space and Solent East Citizens Advice Gosport have joined the network – it means more people in the local area will now have a clear route to the help they need.”
Rachaelle Samsome, from Citizens Advice Solent East, added: “We are delighted to provide an access point to anyone needing the help of the IMLT. No one should have to suffer at the hands of illegal money lenders. Help is available. You will not be judged.
“Your Space is situated in Gosport High Street and runs many activities for the local community. Citizens Advice is based at Martin Snape House. Staff from both venues will make sure someone can contact the IMLT team with you.”
Many illegal money lenders are well known within their communities and are often introduced to borrowers through friends or family members. They are unregulated and give loans with no paperwork, adding extra charges or interest. They often appear to be friendly at first, but they often resort to threats, intimidation and even violence if repayments are not made.
Stop Loan Sharks is a national organisation that was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers.
Unauthorised lending is problematic as lenders do not complete affordability checks on borrowers – often meaning they are lending to people who cannot pay them back. These borrowers do not have the protection of consumer law such as cancellation periods and the ability to apply for help if they can’t pay. This causes huge amounts of stress and can impact their other finances, leaving them unable to pay rent or other priority bills.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222, send a WhatsApp message to 07700 102773. People can also access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk.
