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About Help Direct

About Help Direct

Welcome to Help Direct

Help Direct is dedicated to providing clear, accessible information and guidance on personal finance topics that matter to you. We understand that navigating the world of personal finance can be complex and sometimes overwhelming, which is why we're here to help make it easier.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to empower people with the knowledge and information they need to make informed financial decisions. We believe that everyone deserves access to clear, unbiased information about personal finance, regardless of their background or financial situation.

What We Do

Help Direct provides comprehensive information on a range of personal finance topics, including:

  • Payday loans and short-term borrowing options
  • Debt management and avoiding debt traps
  • Breakdown cover policies and insurance
  • Consumer protection through Safe Trader schemes
  • General financial planning and budgeting advice

Our Approach

We take pride in offering information that is:

Clear and Accessible

We avoid jargon and technical language wherever possible, presenting information in plain English that everyone can understand. Financial topics don't need to be complicated, and we work hard to make them approachable.

Balanced and Unbiased

We present both the benefits and potential risks of different financial products and services. Our goal is to help you understand all aspects of a decision, not to push you toward any particular choice.

Practical and Relevant

We focus on providing practical information that you can actually use. Whether you're facing an immediate financial decision or planning for the future, our content is designed to be genuinely helpful.

Up-to-Date

Financial regulations and best practices change regularly. We strive to keep our information current and accurate, reflecting the latest guidance from regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority.

Safe Trader Information

As part of our commitment to consumer protection, we provide detailed information about Safe Trader schemes across Lancashire. These trading standards approved schemes help residents find vetted, trustworthy local traders for home improvements and repairs.

We cover Safe Trader schemes in:

  • Preston and South Ribble
  • East Lancashire (including Burnley, Blackburn, Hyndburn, Pendle, and Rossendale)
  • Lancaster, Chorley, and West Lancashire

Our Safe Trader information helps you understand how these schemes work, what protections they offer, and how to find approved traders in your area.

Important Disclaimers

We Are Not Financial Advisors

While we provide information and guidance on personal finance topics, Help Direct is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and we do not provide personalised financial advice. The information on our website is for general guidance only and should not be considered as regulated financial advice.

For specific advice tailored to your personal circumstances, you should consult with a qualified, FCA-regulated financial advisor.

Educational Purpose

Our content is designed to educate and inform, helping you understand different financial products and services so you can make your own informed decisions. We encourage you to do your own research and consider multiple sources of information before making financial commitments.

Who We Help

Help Direct is designed to be useful for anyone seeking information about personal finance, but we particularly aim to help:

  • People considering short-term loans: Understanding payday loans, their costs, and alternatives
  • Those managing tight budgets: Tips for avoiding debt and managing money effectively
  • Homeowners and renters: Finding trusted traders through Safe Trader schemes
  • Consumers seeking protection: Understanding your rights and how to avoid scams
  • Anyone needing breakdown cover: Understanding policy options and making informed choices

Our Values

Transparency

We're open and honest about what we provide and what we don't. We clearly distinguish between factual information and general guidance, and we're upfront about the limitations of the information we offer.

Empowerment

We believe in empowering people to make their own decisions. By providing clear, comprehensive information, we help you take control of your financial choices rather than simply telling you what to do.

Responsibility

We take seriously our responsibility to provide accurate, balanced information. We regularly review and update our content, and we're always clear about directing people to professional advice when needed.

Accessibility

Financial information should be accessible to everyone. We work to ensure our website is easy to navigate and our content is written in plain language that doesn't require specialist knowledge to understand.

Supporting Resources

While we provide information and guidance, we also believe in signposting to specialist support services when needed. Throughout our website, we provide links to:

  • Free debt advice charities like StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice
  • Government services like Money Helper
  • Regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority
  • Trading standards services and consumer protection organisations

These organisations can provide specialist support, regulated advice, and professional assistance beyond what we offer.

Your Feedback Matters

We're always looking to improve and expand our content to better serve your needs. If you have suggestions for topics we should cover, questions about our existing content, or feedback on how we can improve, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact us to share your thoughts, ask questions, or suggest improvements. Your input helps us ensure Help Direct remains a useful resource for everyone seeking personal finance information.

Looking Forward

As the financial landscape evolves and new challenges emerge, we're committed to keeping Help Direct relevant and useful. We'll continue to expand our content, update existing information, and explore new ways to help people navigate personal finance decisions with confidence.

Thank you for visiting Help Direct. We hope you find the information on our website helpful, and we're here to support you on your financial journey.

Explore Our Content

Start exploring our personal finance information: