• Nearly one in ten people turned to loan sharks to cover the costs of Christmas last year.
• More than half of victims turned to illegal money lenders in order to pay for essentials such as utilities, food and fuel in the first half of 2022.
• New campaign #SleighNoToLoanSharks aims to protect communities from the devastating effects of illegal money lending in the run up to Christmas.

Experts have warned that unscrupulous lenders could try to cash in on the festive period as households struggle to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills.

Loan sharks are targeting vulnerable people seeking credit and trapping them into a cycle of debt with exorbitant interest rates and threats of violence.

A report published by the Centre for Social Justice estimated that 1.08 million people could already be in debt to an illegal money lender. This is over 700,000
more people than the most recent official estimate. Figures released by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) show that nearly one in ten of those who borrowed money from loan sharks last year did so to cover the costs of Christmas.

More than half of victims (52%) supported by the IMLT in the first half of 2022 had borrowed from a loan shark to pay for essentials such as food and fuel.

Loan sharks pose a dangerous threat to all communities. They charge exorbitant interest rates and target the most vulnerable with aggressive and exploitative practices. The impact of illegal money lending is severe and farreaching, with devastating consequences for the mental health and wellbeing of those affected.

The figures come amid national warnings that the scale of household debt will continue to rise as financial pressures on households leaves many struggling to afford their monthly bills. The IMLT is working hard to combat the growth in illegal lending by focusing on prevention, awareness and enforcement activities.

A new social media campaign, #SleighNoToLoanSharks, is being launched to alert people about the dangers of using loan sharks and help prevent them from falling into their traps in the run up to Christmas.

Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks are doing untold damage in local communities, and we must do all we can to stop them. With their ruthless tactics, these predators are threatening vulnerable families, driving them deeper into debt, and pulling entire communities into an endless cycle of despair.

“At a time when families are under extreme cost pressures with mounting living costs, we are deeply concerned that those who are already struggling to make ends meet could be targeted by these predatory lenders.

“Our campaign aims to break this cycle by helping people understand the risks of loan sharks, what they can do if they feel threatened and where they can turn for help and support.
“The Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline offers confidential advice and support to anyone affected by illegal money lending. We know how stressful and frightening this experience can be. We can give you support on how to deal with this problem and help find a way forward.”

Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and loved ones from loan sharks:

1. If you’re struggling to make ends meet and need cash fast, the thought of a loan shark might seem tempting, but remember these lenders are not your friends. Debt can quickly spiral out of control – it’s important to think carefully before taking out a loan and consider other options.
2. Never send money or give credit card, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it from criminals who can use it to find and stalk you, harass you or threaten those you love.
3. If you’re thinking about borrowing money, it’s important to check that your lender is genuine. Loan sharks operate illegally without the correct permission from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Do your research first and check the firm or person you’re dealing with is listed on the Financial Services Register.
4. When exploitative loan sharks are preying on hardship, it’s vital for people to know there is an ethical, local, not-for-profit alternative available. Credit unions are a lifeline for many people, with their services helping members to save regularly, borrow responsibly and keep track of their finances. There are other community lenders who are mostly not for
   profit, and who reinvest any surpluses into serving vulnerable customers, which can be found on https://www.findingfinance.org.uk/
5. Getting trapped in a never-ending spiral of debt after borrowing from a loan shark can have devastating consequences, not only on your finances but also on most other aspects of your life, including your mental health, work and relationships with your family and friends. If you’re worried about a friend or family member, or if you need help yourself, Stop Loan Sharks can offer confidential advice and support.
   Are you worried about a friend or family member who is being taken advantage of by a loan shark? Contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 for support or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

With the cost-of-living crisis, the terms Warm Hub and Warm Space are in the media spotlight. Seen as places where people can go to stay warm when they may be unable to heat their homes.

Village Halls are being called upon to open as Warm Hubs, however our Community Buildings Advisor, Kate, thinks it is important to understand what is meant by a Warm Hub, and if becoming a Warm Hub is not an option for the Village Hall, then perhaps offering the Hall from time to time as a Warm Space may be another option.

What is a Warm Hub?

Take a look at this video for a great case study of a War Hub launched by our sister organisation Northumberland CAN

The characteristics that differentiate Warm Hubs from any other warm place include the following:

Available regularly

• Open to all

• Hall subsidised to cover the cost (via the council or other funding)

• Governance checks are essential to ensure that all compliance requirements have been met, such as food hygiene and safeguarding

• Risk assessments were completed ensuring that different groups can use the facility safely e.g. parents with small children attending and vulnerable adults – how to keep everyone safe

• Warm Hubs should be coordinated or run by someone who can work with an appropriate team of volunteers

• All volunteers should be properly briefed and receive appropriate training, e.g. dementia awareness, hygiene & basic safeguarding etc.

• Hot food and possibly a meal available

• Warm Hubs provide access to appropriate service providers able to offer advice and guidance on topics including fuel poverty advice, cheap & healthy cooking etc.

What is a Warm Space?

• A warm place where local people can gather once or twice a week
• Chance of a hot drink and a chat
• Ideally free/donation or low cost

Places can register and promote Warm Spaces using some of the links below:

Here are a couple of online searchable maps, the biggest seems to be https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space  Warm Welcome has a lot of advice on setting up a space including training resources & branding another site is https://warmspaces.org/

We will be looking at how we might support Halls to become Warm Hubs/Warm Spaces in the months to come. Contact kate.meads@ccberks.org.uk if you would like to be involved in piloting a Warm Hub or Warm Space.

We are recruiting for a Project Development Officer!

We can offer you flexible working: a part-time role of 17.5 hours per week, a salary of £24k to £28k pro-rata and the opportunity to steer the development of the role

This autumn we commenced an ambitious 5-year project to transform rural community buildings and to help those responsible for them to realise their ambitions. Our new Rural Hubs – 21st Century Halls project uses audits of halls to enable volunteers to prioritise changes they want to make. By implementing the projects in their action plans, halls will become more attractive, comfortable, sustainable venues for the community to use; offer more activities; reach more people in the community; reduce loneliness and isolation and become the vibrant heart of their community.

CCB’s new Project Development Officer will play a leading role in supporting the implementation of the action plans created following completion of an audit. But that’s not all. CCB’s own sustainability is dependent on the development of new high-quality projects and services. Achieving this is central to this new role.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about improving the quality of life in Berkshire’s rural communities. They are confident, patient and interested in developing strong and mutually supportive relationships. They will have strong research skills and experience of writing successful funding bids. They will provide a first-rate service, continually developing their skills and being enthusiastic ambassadors of village halls and rural community development in general. As this role will involve regular travel in rural areas, they will have a full UK driving license and access to a car Please share with anyone you know that may fit the role. To learn more including how to apply please click on link; https://ccberks.org.uk/welcome/vacancy

If you’re involved with running a village hall or community building then consider planning an event in January 2023 to join the celebration!

Hold a coffee morning, afternoon tea or soup & roll lunch to fundraise for your Village Hall, showcase all the events and activities in the Hall and explain how trustees are working to make their Hall warm, welcoming, and inclusive.

Ask the people coming to give you feedback about how the hall serves the community and if there are other activities they would benefit from? Make a case study like the one below! Your community building is an amazing facility – watch and share this video

If you’re planning an event in Village Halls week 2023, let us know so we can shout about it, email admin@ccberks.org.uk