Read our 2023-24 Annual Report

Tina struggled with debt throughout numerous hospital stays and periods of being housebound. Her disability meant that she received PIP and UC and she fell behind with her rent and energy bills with rising costs. She signed up to an unaffordable Debt Management Plan and had to use her PIP to keep up with the payments rather than essential prescriptions and adaptations for her health condition.

We helped Tina end her unaffordable Debt Management Plan and get back on track with her debts. We worked with her social landlord to prevent her being evicted and energy company to make her tariff more affordable. We gave Tina free advice and helped her complete a Debt Relief Order application to write off her arrears and non-priority debts (in total over £8000).

Over the last year we’ve helped hundreds of Derbyshire residents like Tina.

This year’s annual report shares their stories and highlights the crucial work our team have done to fight for the rights of local people.

Some of our key statistics from the previous year:

We have handled 5798 enquiries. We helped everyone who got in touch with us by giving them an assessment which either directed them through to our legal team or signposted them to a partner service.

Housing
We handled 1886 housing enquiries. We opened 526 housing cases and stopped 212 people from experiencing homelessness.

Debt:
We received 866 Debt enquiries and opened 275 cases as financial instability continues for many.

Immigration 
We received 500 enquiries about immigration and opened 80 cases.

Employment 
We handled 1024 employment enquiries and opened 72 cases. We have secured a staggering £354,901 in settlements and Tribunal Judgements.

Discrimination 
We received 161 enquiries for discrimination and opened 23 cases. We have also begun the landmark Barings Project to campaign for disability rights across the County.

Read the 2023-24 Annual Report.