The Narrow Path of Hope Financial Guidance Page.​
 

Note: If you have been a victim of fraud please call 0300 123 2040 straight away or visit https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/

For general Information on fraud please read the NPH fraud awareness section below or click the button just after the section to lean more.

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If you are facing financial difficulty, you are not alone — and there is real, practical help available. This section is here to help you find it.

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Whether you are managing on a low income, struggling with debt, unsure what benefits you are entitled to, worried about housing, or simply trying to make ends meet, the resources here can point you in the right direction. This page exists because we believe everyone deserves access to clear, honest guidance — whatever their situation.

Take your time. Start with whatever feels most pressing.

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SECTION 1: Money Advice and Budgeting

Getting on top of your finances starts with good information and practical support. These organisations offer free, trusted guidance.

• Money and Mental Health Policy Institute — Supporting people whose mental health and finances are connected. https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org

• MoneyHelper (government-backed) — Free, impartial money guidance covering debt, budgeting, pensions, and more. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

• Money Saving Expert (MSE) — Practical tips and tools for making your money go further.https://www.moneysavingexpert.com

• National Debtline — Free debt advice from a specialist charity. https://www.nationaldebtline.org

• StepChange Debt Charity — Free debt advice and practical solutions. https://www.stepchange.org

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SECTION 2: Benefits and Entitlements

Many people are not claiming all the support they are entitled to. These tools and services can help you find out what you can claim.

• Turn2us — Benefits calculator and grants finder for people in financial difficulty.https://www.turn2us.org.uk

• Entitledto — Free, independent benefits calculator. https://www.entitledto.co.uk

• Citizens Advice — Free advice on benefits, debt, housing, and more, in person and online.https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

• Gov.uk — Benefits — The official government page for finding and applying for benefits.https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

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SECTION 3: Food and Emergency Support

If you need food support right now, these organisations can help — no questions asked.

• The Trussell Trust — The UK's largest network of food banks. Find your nearest one below.https://www.trusselltrust.org

• FareShare — Redistributes surplus food to charities and community groups across the UK.https://fareshare.org.uk

• Find Your Nearest Food Bank — Use the Trussell Trust locator to find a food bank near you.https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

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SECTION 4: Housing and Homelessness

Facing housing insecurity is one of the most stressful things anyone can go through. These charities offer advice, support, and in some cases direct help.

• Crisis — Charity for people experiencing homelessness, with practical and legal support.https://www.crisis.org.uk

• Shelter — Free housing advice, emergency support, and legal help for people in England.https://england.shelter.org.uk

• Centrepoint — Support for young people aged 16 to 25 facing homelessness.https://centrepoint.org

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SECTION 5: Debt Solutions — What Are Your Options?

If you are in serious debt, there are formal and informal solutions available in the UK. Here is a plain-English guide to the main ones. Always get free advice before agreeing to any debt solution.

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Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

A formal, legally binding agreement between you and your creditors. You repay a portion of what you owe through regular payments over a fixed period — usually five to six years — after which any remaining unsecured debt is written off. An IVA requires a licensed Insolvency Practitioner to set up and manage.

Get advice: https://www.stepchange.org | https://www.nationaldebtline.org

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Debt Relief Order (DRO)

Designed for people with low income, few assets, and debts below a set threshold. A DRO freezes your debt and interest for 12 months. If your circumstances have not improved by the end of that period, the debt is written off completely.

Get advice: https://www.stepchange.org | https://www.nationaldebtline.org

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Bankruptcy

A legal process for people who cannot repay their debts. Some assets may be used to repay creditors. Bankruptcy usually lasts 12 months but can affect your credit rating for up to six years.

Get advice: https://www.stepchange.org | https://www.nationaldebtline.org

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Debt Management Plan (DMP)

An informal agreement with your creditors to repay your debts at a reduced, affordable rate. Not legally binding, but managed by a debt charity or adviser. There are no upfront fees when you use a reputable charity.

Get advice: https://www.stepchange.org | https://www.nationaldebtline.org

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Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)

A government scheme that gives you 60 days of protection from creditor action, including phone calls, letters, and court proceedings. The breathing space gives you time to get professional debt advice and explore your options without additional pressure.

Get advice: https://www.stepchange.org | https://www.nationaldebtline.org

Warning: Some companies advertise debt solutions and charge upfront fees. This is illegal. Genuine, reputable debt advisers do not charge upfront fees. See our Fraud Awareness page for more on IVA scams and how to protect yourself.

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SECTION 6: Fraud Awareness

People in financial difficulty are increasingly being targeted by scammers — fake debt advisers, bogus benefit schemes, and financial fraud of all kinds. Knowing what to look for can protect you.

​Learn how to protect yourself by clicking the fraud button.

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SECTION 7: Useful Tools

• Benefits Calculator — Find out what you may be entitled to. https://www.turn2us.org.uk

• Budget Planner — Free tool from MoneyHelper to map your income and outgoings.https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner

• Universal Credit Journal — Sign in to manage your Universal Credit claim. https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit

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NPH Disclaimer.

The resources on this page are provided for information only. We are not financial advisers. If you need personalised advice, please contact one of the organisations listed above — all of them offer free, regulated guidance.