Debt Free Advice Expands into 13 Prisons Through Award-Winning Video Advice Kiosks
Debt Free Advice is expanding access to regulated debt advice into 13 prisons through its award-winning Video Advice Kiosk service, helping people tackle financial problems before release and supporting their transition back into the community.
The expansion comes as Debt Free Advice marks 20 years of providing free, impartial advice to people facing debt and financial hardship. Since launching in 2006, the service has supported more than 500,000 people.
People in prison often face significant financial challenges, including rent arrears, council tax debt, utility bills, benefit issues and other creditor action. If left unresolved, these problems can affect housing, employment opportunities, family relationships and financial stability after release.
Through secure Video Advice Kiosks, people in custody can speak directly with qualified debt advisors. The service provides active casework rather than simple signposting, with advisors able to contact creditors, support Breathing Space applications, liaise with housing providers and public bodies, and help stabilise financial situations before release.
The pilot is operating across 13 prisons:
- HMP Belmarsh
- HMP Bronzefield
- HMP Brixton
- HMP Feltham YOI
- HMP Ford
- HMP ISIS
- HMP Lewes
- HMP Rochester
- HMP Send
- HMP Thameside
- HMP The Mount
- HMP Wandsworth
- HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Matt Dronfield, Managing Director of Debt Free Advice, said:
“For 20 years, Debt Free Advice has helped people across London deal with debt, money worries and financial crisis. But people serving custodial sentences can face significant barriers to accessing financial advice at the point when financial problems can become most damaging.
Debt does not stop at the prison gate. Unresolved money worries can affect someone’s housing, family stability, mental health and ability to rebuild their life after release.
This expansion is about taking regulated advice to people who would otherwise struggle to access it. Through secure Video Advice Kiosks, people in custody can speak directly to a qualified advisor, begin active casework and start resolving financial issues before they leave prison.
As Debt Free Advice marks its 20th year, this is an important next step: reaching people earlier, in settings where financial vulnerability is acute, and showing how partnership working can remove barriers to support.”
Oliver Morley, Chief Executive of the Money and Pensions Service, said:
“At the Money and Pensions Service, our vision is a better financial future for everyone in need, and that means making sure advice and support is available in the places it’s most needed.
The prison kiosk pilot is a practical example of going where people are, providing a trusted route into free, impartial debt advice. We know that debt advice can make a real difference not only for the individual in debt, but also for their families and loved ones, helping to reduce stress and supporting more stable futures.
We are proud to support Debt Free Advice’s work, alongside the Ministry of Justice, to test and learn what improves access and outcomes of debt advice in custody. Together, we can develop evidence-based approaches that strengthen services across government and the advice sector.”
James McEwan, Chief Executive of HM Prison and Probation Service, said:
“I am proud that HMPPS is part of this exciting pilot, in partnership with the Money and Pensions Service and Debt Free Advice, bringing digital solutions into the prison estate. Giving people access to high-quality, regulated debt advice while still in custody, rather than waiting until release, is a crucial step forward in rehabilitation and assisting with reducing reoffending.”
Debt Free Advice’s Video Advice Kiosk service won the Third Sector Award for Best Service Delivery Innovation in 2024. The technology enables people to access specialist debt advice remotely in secure settings, helping break down barriers to support and ensuring more people can get help when they need it most.
As the service enters its third decade, this latest expansion demonstrates how innovative approaches can extend access to regulated debt advice and support better outcomes for people facing financial hardship.
