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Call for groups to unite for loan shark awareness
We're calling for people to unite against illegal money lending in Bolton.
We're holding a loan shark awareness event on Monday 23 November and urge representatives of local organisations, charities and community groups to get involved and find out what they can do to help.
The session, organised in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council and the Illegal Money Lending Team, will include tips on how to spot the signs of loan sharking, information about the impact to individuals, families and communities, and its links to petty and organised crime.
Attendees can learn about the support that is available locally and nationally as well as ways they can help tackle the issue. There will also be presentations from Greater Manchester Police, the Illegal Money Lending Team and our Debt and Money Advice Team.
We've organised the event ahead of National Loan Shark Week, which runs from Monday 30 November until Friday 4 December.
On average, £120 million is loaned illegally every year and more than £450 million is repaid by vulnerable people.
Samantha Marshall, our Financial Inclusion Project Officer, said: “Illegal money lending is a huge concern, particularly as Christmas draws closer and families may feel it necessary to borrow. The idea of the event is to share information that could help to identify and confront the problem head on, as well as promote the support available. We hope it will result in a wider action plan to tackle loan sharking as together we can achieve more.”
The loan shark awareness event will take place, 1.30pm until 4pm, at Bolton Science and Technology Centre on Minerva Road. Place are limited but can be booked by calling 01204 328061 or emailing HousingServicesAdminSupport@boltonathome.org.uk