Consumer Minister Ian McCartney has urged beleaguered borrowers to take advantage of free debt advice services ahead of resorting to dealing with loansharks.

Of course, even where debt refinancing is deemed to be a viable option to alleviate situation, there are often suitable products available from reputable providers such as The Loan Helper, negating the need to go to loansharks at all.

Sadly however, beleaguered borrowers often believe that their situation is so dire that no-one but the loansharks will help, but again, reputable loan providers often have solutions even for borrowers with poor credit history due to having CCJs, defaults or mortgage arrears and even bankruptcy orders, more information on this is available at at www.theloanhelper.co.uk

Minister McCartney, who will open a new office in London for the Money Advice Trust (MAT), which runs National Debtline, claimed that many people were unaware that free, impartial support was just a call away to help them avoid debt issues.

"My advice to people struggling with debt is to pick up the phone - there are people who can help you find a solution and avoid the sharks."

Minister McCartney, who recently visited Illegal Money Lending Teams closing down loan sharks in Birmingham and Glasgow, said:

"Loan sharks are lowlifes whose primary purpose is to rip you off. Many of them will resort to intimidation and violence to take money off the most vulnerable in our communities who know of no other borrowing options.

Often it feels like there is no alternative than to turn to loan sharks but many people don't realise that debt advice and information is available for free. National Debtline is there to help."

National Debtline's advice includes contacting lenders without delay to explain your difficulties, and not to abandon attempts to come to an agreement regarding repayment terms even if creditors are difficult.

The Department of Trade and Industry supports the many aspects of MAT's activities; in particular, by providing £1,000,000 per year to National Debtline.

The Government is also providing £47,500,000 in a two-year programme to fund face-to-face debt advice, helping resolve debt for tens of thousands of individuals.

This cash will pay for over five hundred new debt advisers to help people get their finances under control, and will fulfil the Government's commitment to achieve a step change in the availability of debt advice.

As part of the Face-to-Face Debt Advice project, financed by the Financial Inclusion Fund, MAT is providing training for the majority of the advisers due to be recruited over the next 2 years.

Consumers can call National Debtline, on 0808 808 4000.