As we approach the festive season, it’s important to remember that ‘The perfect Christmas’ doesn’t have to mean overspending and debt. Apex has joined other organisations in the north west to highlight the importance of responsible lending and spending through a billboard campaign.
Apex is working with Foyle Network Foundation, Community Restorative Justice, ASK Advice Services, Skeoge Community Hub; and Derry, Waterside and Pennyburn Credit Unions, to highlight the risks of illegal and high interest lenders.
Christmas is a time of year when money worries can be particularly high, as families spend, on average, more than £700 extra in December than they would in other months*. Through this campaign, we are encouraging our tenants to be mindful of their spending habits over the festive period and to stay away from illegal and high interest lenders. These types of loans may seem like a good idea to help cover Christmas spending but can have a huge impact longer term if you’re unable to repay what you owe.”
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, helped launch the new billboard campaign at Free Derry Corner, which will be rolled out across the city to raise awareness around loans and spending.
Karen Mullan, Director of Foyle Network Foundation, stated:
We have seen an increase in people who are struggling with rising household costs accessing loans from unreputable bodies and being charged extortionate high interest rates. This is pushing them further into debt and poverty.”
Struggling to afford Christmas?
If you are struggling to afford Christmas this year, Apex’s Welfare Advice Team can help by providing budgeting advice, signposting you to reputable lenders and carrying out a benefits check.
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