Debt Free Advice, which launched its mobile advice bus in Woolwich in February 2022, will be back in January 2023 to support residents struggling with debt, whether their concerns are around rent arrears, council tax, utility bills, loans or credit cards.   

The bus will appear in Royal Greenwich on three dates:  

• Tuesday 3 January, from 10am to 4pm in General Gordon Square, Woolwich, SE18 6ET 

• Friday 6 January, from 10am to 4pm in Thamesmead Town Centre, Central Way, SE28 8RA 

• Tuesday 10 January, from 10am to 4pm in Passey Place, Eltham, SE9 5DA  

Debt Free Advice is a partnership of charities led by Toynbee Hall, supported by the Mayor of London and funded by the Money and Pensions Service. It has already supported 250,000 people and will continue to support those in need as they struggle with the effects of the cost of living crisis. 

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “In London 2.7million people are in debt. This shocking statistic is the harsh reality of what many people in our borough are facing due to the cost of living crisis and salaries that do not rise to meet the financial demands on everyday people. 

“Having the debt free bus back in our borough is just one way we are reaching residents directly in their communities and letting them know they aren’t alone. If you need advice do not suffer in silence, there is a range of support on offer.” 

A spokesperson from Debt Free Advice said: “With many people impacted by the rising cost of living, the bus will serve as an in-person advice centre and offer debt, money and welfare advice to Londoners, as well as promoting other forms of support including the Mayor’s Warmer Homes programme and Cost of Living Hub, free childcare entitlements, and mental health support.” 

Council-funded Live Well Greenwich will also be in attendance in Thamesmead and Eltham, signposting residents to local support including health and wellbeing, as well as how to get support for everyday costs, healthcare and supporting families. Further advice will be available in Thamesmead and Eltham thanks to South East London Community Energy Co-op (SELCE) who support those struggling with their energy bills.

An advisor from EON will also attend in Eltham to share information on the energy upgrade schemes for homeowners. 

Need support Monday to Friday? Debt Free Advice has a base in Forum at Greenwich, Trafalgar Road SE10 9EQ open from 10am to 5pm. Learn more about what support is on offer in Royal Greenwich at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwich-supports