A housing association has been recognised for helping residents spot the dangers of illegal money lending.
Rooftop Housing Group, which manages 7,000 homes across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, has been named an official accredited partner of the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) for its work supporting communities vulnerable to loan sharks.
The IMLT investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders while supporting those affected.
Rooftop was recognised for its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of illegal lending, including staff training and community outreach.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “The team at Rooftop Housing Group has already shown a real commitment to supporting the local community, and we are delighted to welcome them as an official Stop Loan Sharks partner.
“Housing organisations are on the frontline of our communities and may come into contact with people who are being targeted by illegal lenders.
“By knowing how to spot the warning signs, staff can help make sure those affected get the support they need as quickly as possible.”
Rooftop Housing Group has worked alongside the Stop Loan Sharks campaign to train staff in recognising signs of illegal lending, display campaign materials, and share key messages with residents.
Boris Worrall, chief executive of Rooftop Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted to be awarded Partner status by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
“Tackling illegal money lending starts with awareness.
“As a housing association, we are committed to equipping our staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognise the signs and support our customers.
“By working with IMLT, we are raising awareness to prevent our customers from borrowing from a loan shark, sharing information and helping customers access the right support to keep our communities safe.”
Victims of illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 helpline on 0300 555 2222 or WhatsApp 07700 102773.