Don’t get bitten
CHC recently re-launched its anti-loan shark campaign in conjunction with the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit
As a sector we are concerned that the changes to welfare may increase illegal lending activity as benefits change and people continue to feel the pinch.
The campaign consists of a television advert, which aired for two weeks on ITV and S4C, and sharable resources via social media. The adverts warn about the dangers of using illegal loansharks, urging people to phone and report illegal activity or if worried about benefit changes, to visit our website for further information. At the height of the campaign, the message reached almost 300,000 twitter accounts.
In order to deal with the issue, we believe a three-pronged approach is needed; awareness raising, advice and access to affordable credit and we used the launch event to form a coalition against usury to address these issues.
Over 100 organisations or individuals have signed up to the coalition including the Church in Wales, 16 Assembly Members including the poverty minister and deputy minister, the Young Foundation, housing associations, credit unions, the Bevan Foundation and a number of charities.
We will be working with the coalition over the coming months on these three actions to ensure we are tackling poverty and ensuring those who need support receive it.
If you would like further about the campaign tweet us @chcymru #dontgetbitten or visit our website www.chcymru.org.uk