Thirteen is awarded partner recognition for their work to stop loan sharks [Archived]

The partner recognition status is awarded to organisations who work in communities to reduce the risk of people falling victim to loan sharks and help residents access support through the stop loan sharks programme.

Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of families being targeted by illegal money lending schemes, with a number of areas across the Tees Valley becoming hotspots for loan sharks, who have adapted the way they target people using a variety of platforms and payment options.

Thirteen’s community resilience team has been working closely with England Illegal Money Lending Team in communities at risk across the Tees Valley. They have delivered a number of training sessions for colleagues and external partners to educate people about what they should look out for and how to help residents at risk.

Thirteen have recently held a number of events for residents in Stockton, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough to encourage responsible lending and provide access to essential support services. They are also working closely with partners to help raise awareness in communities in creative and new ways.

Lyndsey Coe, community resilience manager at Thirteen, said: “We are really proud to have achieved partner recognition status.”

It’s important to us that we support our customers as much as possible and raising awareness is crucial in tackling this issue, to support people to understand what to look out for, how to report a loan shark, as well as the alternative options available for affordable borrowing.”

Thirteen launched a community resilience strategy earlier this year, which outlines their five-year commitment to empower communities and create places where people want to live. The support offered as part of the stop loan shark programme builds on their work in areas across the Tees Valley to create safe and resilient neighbourhoods.

Thirteen’s partnership with England Illegal Money Lending Team aims to provide people with greater access to support and prevent more people falling victim to illegal money lending schemes.  

Tony Quigley, head of England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks target the most vulnerable people in our society. They make false promises of a quick and easy loan, then demand extortionate levels of repayment from their victims.

“Thirteen has been one of our most proactive partners in tackling illegal money lending and we are proud to honour them with partner recognition status. Working together with our partners, we can make a real difference and protect communities against loan sharks.”

For advice or to report a suspected loan shark, you can call the England Illegal Money Lending Team 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk.