News Articles

  • With sole traders and small businesses struggling due to lower consumer spending, higher rates and other overheads, higher wage costs and the looming Brexit uncertainty, saving may seem like an extravagance that many just cannot afford.

  • The General Data Protection Regulation, more commonly known as GDPR will come into effect on 25th May 2018.  It is the biggest change to personal data privacy in over 25 years.

  • We are now facing a similar recession to 2008, however this time personal credit is out of control in UK & NI, the Banks and lending sector seem to have learned nothing from their previous mistakes.

  • Belfast Lord Mayor, Nichola Mallon and Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency, today launched a new website and information leaflet for Helplines Network NI.

  • Advice NI has dealt with 270,000 enquiries mostly related to social security issues. Food banks have grown from 2 operating in 2011 to at least 14 this year.

  • Advice NI highlights importance of advice services as local government is about to undergo significant change. Ahead of changes to local government in Northern Ireland, Advice NI has called upon local Councils to ensure that the work of independent advice services is recognised and protected.Advice NI leads delivery of independent advice services across the current Castlereagh Borough Council area. The service involves face to face service provision by advisors locally deployed to service the Castlereagh outreach venues. Appeal tribunal representation services and dedicated money advice services are in place, a dedicated Freephone line has been established and an email advice facility is also in place.In April 2015, as part of the reform of local government in Northern Ireland the number of councils will be reduced from 26 to 11. There will be significant changes with the majority of households in Castlereagh merging with Lisburn City Council with 38% of the population of Castlereagh and 21% of Lisburn moving to the new Belfast City Council. The new Castlereagh and Lisburn Council area will have approximately 137,000 residents and approximately 56,000 households.Speaking about the service, Bob Stronge Advice NI Chief Executive said: “Independent advice services are much-needed and highly valued by people across Northern Ireland. Advice NI and member organisations have a proven track record in providing excellent advice services across the community and we acknowledge the support and commitment shown by Councils to advice services. We look forward to working with the new Councils post RPA to similarly ensure that independent advice remains a key community service moving forward.”

  • Aimed at older peoples’ groups province wide, ‘Managing Your Money Better’ talks are funded by Comic Relief and delivered by Outreach Worker John Bradbury.The talks are free, last about forty five minutes and cover a range of topics including: budgeting, maximising your income, dealing with debt, saving, borrowing and credit and avoiding scams.‘I also give people some additional information, benefits information and contact details within Advice NI for further free advice.‘So far, we have reached over 1,000 people with almost half living in rural isolated areas. The talks are aimed primarily at people over sixty and over 350 people reached are aged over 75.‘I usually find people are most interested  in benefits uptake and avoiding scams. As an organisation, we are delighted to provide as much help and information as possible,’ added John.So far, community groups, womens’ groups and churches have been amongst the venues visited.More talks are planned for late Winter and Spring. If you would like a contact, please contact John.