Debt advice organisations funded by MaPS helps boost users’ income by £48 million

• In 2023/24 people accessing debt advice funded by MaPS collectively gained an extra £48 million of extra income and 65% of people worried less about their debts or financial difficulties after seeking help.
• MaPS fund Citizens Advice, Money Advice Trust and Money Wellness to deliver free debt advice nationally and in the community.
• The figures from MaPS’ Debt Advice Impact Report (2023/24) are being shared at the start of Debt Awareness Week, organised by the debt charity StepChange.  
• “It’s important that those affected by debt problems know that they aren’t alone and there is non-judgemental advice and support available” says Anna Hall, Corporate Director of Debt at MaPS.  
• MaPS is encouraging those in debt and worried about meeting their repayments to use the MoneyHelper debt advice locatorOpens in a new window tool to access free advice.  

Not only that: 87% of people who received MaPS-funded debt advice said they would recommend the service to someone in a similar situation and 65% of people worry less about their debts or financial difficulties.

The findings from MaPS’ debt advice impact report are being shared during Debt Awareness Week 2025 – a campaign from the debt advice charity, StepChange, which aims to increase awareness of debt, and the advice and solutions available to help.

This year, Debt Awareness Week is exploring shame and stigma – challenging attitudes to debt and help people access the support they need.

Many people do not seek help because they feel overwhelmed, embarrassed and worried about the consequences of speaking to a debt adviser. Some of the common myths shared by those who worry about getting debt advice is that they will lose control of the decisions about their finances and that having a conversation with a debt adviser will affect their credit rating.

To help tackle some of the widely held myths associated with getting debt advice, debt advisers Tom, Ioana and Ruby have spoken out. Getting support for debt can help put your mind at ease and help with your wider health and wellbeing as you will feel more in control of your situation.

Watch the full-length video on YouTube Opens in a new window to hear debt advisers Tom, Ioana and Ruby explain the importance of getting advice if you’re struggling with debt and why it isn’t something you should feel worried about doing. 

Shorter clips are also available on YouTube, in which:

• Tom explains what a debt adviser isOpens in a new window
• Ruby sets out the different ways someone can speak to a debt adviserOpens in a new window
•  Ioana describes what someone can expect when they speak to an adviserOpens in a new window.  

Anna Hall, Corporate Director of Debt at the Money and Pensions Service, said:

“I was so pleased to learn that so many of those who access the MaPS-funded debt advice services see such a positive change to their lives. Debt problems can have a corrosive effect on someone’s relationships, self-confidence and mental health but it’s important to know that there is non-judgemental support available.  

“It’s also important that those affected by debt problems know that they aren’t alone. If you’re struggling, MoneyHelper will help you find free debt advice and you could join the thousands before you who’ve achieved a more sustainable financial future by seeking advice.”

If you are in debt and worried about meeting your repayments, please use the MoneyHelper debt advice locatorOpens in a new window tool to access free advice.

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• The Money and Pensions Service commissions debt advice in England and does not provide advice directly. Instead, we sign post the public to a range of debt providers through our MoneyHelper debt advice locatorOpens in a new window .
• Access and download the Money and Pensions Service-funded debt advice impact report 2023/24.  
• Key findings from the 2023/24 debt advice impact report include: 
  • 623,466 people were seen across all debt advice services.    
  • 87% of people who received MaPS-funded debt advice said they would recommend the service to someone in a similar situation. 
  • 75% of people who received MaPS-funded debt advice are now checking their incomings and outgoings and bank balance to help them stick to their budget. 
  • 65% of people who received MaPS-funded debt advice told us they now worry less about their debts or financial difficulties while 52% said their mental health had improved after getting advice.