For many, Christmas can be an expensive time. The Bristol Credit Union are raising awareness of the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks. They have teamed up with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) on a new scheme that uses money confiscated from convicted loan sharks as an incentive to encourage people in our area to join their credit union.

Across South Glos this year Bristol Credit Union estimate they’ve saved 250 borrowers £122,144 in interest and it keeps more money in our local communities. You can find more information about their anti-loan shark scheme online. Their work is featuring on BBC 1 in a documentary series “A Matter of Life and Debt”, which you can find on iPlayer.

If someone you know has already borrowed money from an illegal lender, they can call the Stop Loan Sharks Team in confidence on 0300 555 2222 for advice and support.