£billions up for grabs as financial woes pile on the pressure

Nearly half the population feel more inclined to seek free independent information and advice for help with their escalating bills or other worries than this time last year, according to research carried out for the Promoting Advice coalition.

The coalition, an alliance of six organisations including Citizens Advice and Age Concern and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, is today launching Advice Week (6-12 October) to highlight different ways people can access free and impartial advice on a range of issues including legal matters, debt, benefits, housing and employment.

While eight out of 10 people are more worried about their finances than this time last year,3 the coalition found that those who felt that they had the greatest need for advice, were those who had the lowest awareness that free advice was available. This was also the group on the lowest incomes, despite up to £9.9 billion in means tested benefits going unclaimed last year.

To raise awareness, particularly among communities with greatest need, local agencies from the member organisations will be putting on community events during the week, helping clients to sort out money and other worries and urging people to access the benefits they are entitled to.

The provision of such vital services, says the coalition, plays a key role in the fight against poverty and social exclusion by empowering vulnerable people, and those on a low income, to get the support they need. Having access to these vital services can make a huge difference to people's wellbeing and quality of life, often significantly boosting their income and helping them to continue living independently.

Together, organisations in the coalition provide free advice online, over the phone, via email and text services and face to face at a variety of outreach locations including the high street, community centres, health centres, health settings, courts and prisons.

Richard Jenner, Director of the Advice Services Alliance, said: "The Working Together for Advice project brings together national networks for advice agencies to increase access to advice and improve the efficiency of advice services. We are grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for supporting this important work during these difficult times."

Phil Jew, Head of Policy & Campaigns, AdviceUK, said: "Now is the time for the Government to take real steps to help to improve access to independent advice provision"

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "Rocketing living costs are leaving many people feeling increasingly anxious about the months ahead. Advice services provide a lifeline for millions of people every year - last year alone, Age Concerns helped older people to receive an extra £100m in money benefits. With demand for advice set to increase, it's more important than ever that these vital services are sufficiently funded so everyone can receive the support that they need."

David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: "Time and time again we see how seeking advice can have a massive impact on people's lives, whether it's helping people speak to creditors, claim the benefits they are entitled to, tackle discrimination, or helping people stay in their home. Yet while recent increases in essential everyday expenses means many people are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet, too many people are still missing out on money that is rightfully theirs, assuming they won't qualify or are too daunted by the process of making a claim. Anyone unsure about their benefit entitlements, legal rights or other problems should not hesitate to seek advice."

John Fitzpatrick, Chair of Law Centres Federation, said: "Law Centres are experts at helping people in a financial crisis with their housing problems, threatened repossession, managing debt, and ensuring they receive what they are entitled to. Law Centres across the country will be using Advice Week to let people know there is legal assistance available and that they can get free help."

Barbara Rayment, Director of Youth Access, said: "Young people are extremely vulnerable in an economic downturn. Already, increasing numbers are experiencing unemployment, poverty and the problems that result from that, such as homelessness and debt. Research has shown that disadvantaged young people are particularly prone to suffering from stress-related illness and violence as a result of such problems. It is vital that they receive good quality advice from services they can trust."

Anyone who is in need of some extra support should contact their local agency (details in phonebook). Older people can also contact Age Concern's freephone information and advice line on 0800 00 99 66. Online advice is available at adviceguide.org.uk