The government is reminding people that anyone who finds themselves facing financial difficulty can access a free and confidential debt counselling service.

The Debt Counselling Service, run by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), offers a free, discrete and confidential service with professionally-trained and experienced debt counsellors.

John Peet, head of the OFT said: ’It’s important that mounting debt is not ignored, and anyone who is struggling should not be embarrassed, we’re here to help if we can.’

The service does not provide direct financial help although it can steer people to funds which may be able to assist, while providing the self-help tools necessary to let people take control of their finances.

You can contact the service by emailing [email protected], by calling 686500 or through the OFT website.

Further guidance on budgeting is available in a free booklet entitled ’Dealing with your debts’ which is available online or by contacting the OFT. The Debt Counselling Service can also be accessed by businesses and organisations who want advice on how to support and work with customers or clients in difficulty.