Aviva has announced new partnerships that will see the insurer commit £7m and £2m, respectively, over the next two years to Citizens Advice and the Money Advice Trust’s Business Debtline services.
Around 50 new Citizens Advice advisers will be employed thanks to Aviva’s support, and they will be able to assist up to 250,000 more individuals who are calling in, chatting online, or seeking assistance in public places. Citizens Advice will have a 50 per cent boost in capacity for online advice delivery, giving people access to crucial services before their issues turn into crises.
A second group of Business Debtline advisers will assist with the additional 25,000 appointments and advice calls. Small business owners and independent contractors can get assistance from Business Debtline in managing their debts and taking the necessary actions to improve their financial situation.
Aviva Group CEO Amanda Blanc says: “We’re proud to partner with Citizens Advice and the Money Advice Trust. Their incredible staff and volunteers are working flat-out to make sure people across the UK can navigate these challenging times. Aviva’s financial support over the next two years will help these brilliant charities get more people and more small businesses back on their feet and build their financial resilience for the longer term.”
Citizens Advice CEO Dame Clare Moriarty says: “We’re seeing huge demand for our services as the cost-of-living crisis piles pressure on family finances. Meeting this challenge means we need more advisers to help people navigate their problems, and the very best online resources so everyone can get the information they need on paying bills, claiming benefits and managing their budget. We’re glad to partner with Aviva to make this happen.”
Money Advice Trust CEO Joanna Elson CBE says: “The cost of living crisis is having a double impact on small business owners – hitting both their personal and business finances. With millions of people worrying about the cost of living every day, it has never been more important to ensure small businesses get the advice and support they need. The Money Advice Trust’s partnership with Aviva will help this critical part of the UK economy to look forward with confidence.”
Bromley Citizens Advice adviser Vivien Smith says: ”More than ever before, many of those that use our service are struggling to cover the cost of food and basic essentials for themselves and their children. With demand continuously rising, our service has had to adapt to be able to support growing numbers of people that are being affected by the cost-of-living crisis. With our support, people are often able to get control of their finances and challenge debt action and evictions, and in turn focus on improving their health and wellbeing.”