Staying Safe at Christmas
- Christmas pressures can see domestic abuse and loan shark activity rise
- Public urged to seek help if they are worried about themselves or others
- Local and national support is available over the festive period
Christmas can be a stressful time of year. With extra financial pressures and worries, there is often a rise in incidents of domestic abuse and violence in the home, as well as the temptation to borrow money from illegal lenders such as loan sharks. West Lancashire Borough Council and its partners can offer help and advice if you are worried that you, or someone you know, might be vulnerable.
Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader of the Council and portfolio holder for Communities and Community Safety, said: "Whilst Christmas should be a time for enjoying time with friends and family, we recognise that for some the reality can be much darker."
"For those who feel isolated or at risk this Christmas, we want everyone to know that there is help and support available over the festive period, often just one phone call away. We would encourage anyone suffering, not to do so in silence."
Loan sharks can often target people who feel under pressure to overspend throughout the Christmas festivities. But spending more than we have, or borrowing money from illegal lenders, can cause problems as you enter the New Year. Turning to an illegal loan shark might seem like a quick and easy way to get extra money for Christmas, or even for essentials like paying your rent, but it can have devastating consequences further down the line.
Councillor Dowling continued: "Unlicensed lenders such as loan sharks have no legal right to recover their debt, and any lender - licensed or unlicensed - who harasses you is breaking the law. If you are struggling with the financial pressures of the festive season and managing Christmas bills, you can get in touch with the Council's Money Advice team on 01695 585252 or visit the money advice web pages."
Where to get help for domestic abuse concerns:
The Liberty Centre is a West Lancashire-based hub for services for victims of domestic abuse and violence
- Call: 01695 50600 or 0808 100 3062
- Website: www.thelibertycentre.org.uk
- Social Medias: Facebook, Instagram
Lancashire Victim Services:
- Call: 0300 323 0085
- Email: info@lancashirevictimservices.org
- Website: www.lancashirevictimservices.org
Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline:
- Call: 0808 2000 247
West Lancashire Borough Council Domestic Abuse Issues:
Concerns around illegal lending and debt:
Get in touch with the Council's Money Advice team on 01695 585252 or visit the money advice web pages.
To get help and report a loan shark problem:
- Download the Loan Shark app on your mobile phone by searching "Loan Shark"
- Call the national government hotline: 0300 555 2222
- Email: reportloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
- Text LOAN SHARK and the lender's details to 60003
Residents can also access a range of support and signposting advice through the Council's Directory of Support Services. or the QR codes below.
