This is where to get help in Leeds if you are worried about money or debts

Leeds City Council's Money Information Centre promotes the places where people in the city can go if they need advice about their finances, debts or benefits.

Its website - www.leeds.gov.uk/leedsmic - has details of the support available, information about ways to make savings and reduce your bills, and advice if you are applying for loans.

It says: "You don't need to go to a high-cost lender, loan shark or illegal money lender to get a loan - there are other alternatives and many agencies in Leeds that can help with money advice and low cost loans."

Alternatives suggested include Leeds Credit Union, a financial cooperative that gives its members access to affordable loans, savings accounts, current accounts and payment cards, Christmas Club and budgeting advice.

What services are still operating during the coronavirus pandemic?

According the latest advice on its website, the following services are operating support through their helplines.

Age UK Leeds - The charity offers benefits advice for people over state pension age but does not give debt advice. People can ring 0113 389 3000 and leave their name and number and brief details of their query. They should receive a call them back within five working days. Alternatively, email [email protected] or ring the National Age UK Helpline on 0800 678 1602.

Better Leeds Communities - The charity offers advice and support on debt, housing and benefits. Call 0113 275 4142 or email [email protected] for support.

Citizens Advice Leeds - The charity provides free, confidential and impartial advice and campaigns on big issues affecting people's lives. Advisors in Leeds are available by phone, email and webchat facilities on weekdays, 9am-5pm. Call 0113 223 4400 for advice or 0800 144 8444 for the Help to Claim team.

DWP - Phone 0845 6060 234 to speak to advisors at the Department of Work and Pensions.

Ebor Gardens Advice Centre and Money Buddies - The Money Buddies team can be contacted via its Facebook and Twitter accounts, by emailing [email protected], or calling 07936 368 045. Messages can also be sent to the mobile number via WhatsApp to request a callback.

Engage Leeds and Gipsil - The two organisations run various services including Engage Leeds Floating Housing Support, Engage Leeds Advice and Employment & Engagement Services, Flagship Young People’s Services & GIPSIL Care Leaver Service. Access to advice is restricted to those within the Housing Support Services and is not open access, except the ‘Help Through Crisis’ team based at Archway. Email [email protected] or call 0113 380 7615.

Flagship - This service supports young people in Leeds aged 16 to 24 who have a housing need, whether they are single, in a couple or have a young family. Email [email protected] or call 0113 391 8000.

Leeds City Council welfare rights - Call 0113 376 0452 or email [email protected] to access support.

Leeds City Council Housing - The service offers support to all council tenants. Anyone experiencing issues with paying rent is urged to call at the earliest opportunity. Phone 0800 188 4000 or [email protected] for support.

Leeds City Council's Council Tax Team - Anyone experiencing issues with paying their bill is urged to make contact as soon as possible. Phone 0113 222 4404 to speak to an officer.

Leeds Community Gambling Service - The service's main number is operating daily between 9am and 5pm. Call 0113 388 6466 or email [email protected] for support.

Leeds Credit Union - Call 0113 242 3343 or emails [email protected] to speak to a member of the team.

Loan Shark Team - The team is still operating the phones and communication channels should someone wish to report a loan shark on a 24/7 basis. Anyone who is in immediate danger from a loan shark is, as usual, advised to call 999. Make a report by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 555 2222.

Stepchange - The charity gives expert debt advice and fee-free debt management to help people tackle their debt. It is operating a full online and telephone advice service. Call 0800 138 1111 to speak to an advisor.

St Vincents Support - The charity is offering telephone appointments. Email [email protected]@stvincents-svp.org.uk or call 0113 248 4126.