MONEY specialists are helping housing trust residents through financial difficulties.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s Money Matters team received 381 referrals between April and December last year.

The team advises and supports residents with debt, unpaid bills, budgeting, welfare benefits and loan sharks. Adam Shufflebotham, Money Matters team leader, said: “We are in a period of major change to the welfare system and this is inevitably having an impact on many of our customers. “Our team is there to ensure people are as informed as they can be and given the support to stay on top of their finances.

“If customers fall into rent arrears it will put them at risk of losing their home so it’s really important they contact our Money Matters Team at the earliest possible opportunity and that they know friendly and knowledgeable money advice is available to them if they need it, they don’t need to tackle financial issues alone.”

Call 01606 813341.