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Debt
There are lots of reasons why people get into debt. It may be due to student loans taken out while in higher education, or perhaps misuse of readily available store cards. Also gambling on fruit machines or buying lottery scratch cards can quickly lead to debt, or it could simply be the inability to manage your finances sensibly.
Whatever the reason it is important to address the problem early – ignoring it will not make it go away, and the longer you put things off, the harder it is to put things right.
If you are having problems and would like to talk to someone in confidence, there is a National Debtline available on freephone: 0808 808 4000 – they can give expert advice over the phone and will also provide you with a self-help information pack, free of charge.
You could also contact a debt adviser through your bank, or seek independent advice from other agencies.
By law, young people under the age of 16 are not allowed to buy a lottery ticket and you have to be 18 to enter a betting shop or gambling casino.
Useful sources of information
National Debtline
Tel:
0808 808 4000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Lone Parent Helpline
Tel: 0800 018 5026
www.loneparenthelpline.info
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Gamblers Anonymous - offers useful help and support
Tel: 020 7384 3040
www.gamcare.org.uk