Aim

Each year, our Debt Centre help hundreds of people in Tees Valley, escape from the blight of indebtedness and regain financial control.

About CHAC

CHAC has been embedded in the local community since 1990, located in Middlesbrough town centre, with the aim of relieving poverty in the local community by providing free advice to local people covering welfare benefits, housing, debt, and energy issues. We mitigate problems arising from these issues, such as homelessness, repossessions, evictions, domestic violence, anxiety, stress, social isolation, and poverty.

We run a central office, and 14 community-based hubs where our advisors operate from. We conduct home visits for individuals with mobility challenges, mental health issues, dementia, or cultural and language barriers, this ensures that vulnerable groups, such as older adults and minority ethnic communities, have equal access to services.

We provide energy advice for people struggling with the current cost of living crisis and energy price increases to enable them to stay safe and warm during the winter period. We also work with local NHS social prescribing teams, through their waiting well program to ensure that patients receive any help they need to reduce social and financial isolation during critical stages of their treatment journey and facilitate better recovery outcomes.

CHAC’s impact is significant to both the individual client, their families, and dependents, and to the wider community. Every year we help secure millions of pounds in unclaimed entitlements for our clients. This result in a significant reduction of worry and fear, improved standard of living and financial resilience for the recipient and a substantial impact on their community i.e. bills being paid, rent being paid, homes being maintained, revenue to local shops etc. The overall effect of these interventions means more money in circulation and more jobs being created which in turn benefits both the beneficiary and the local community.

CHAC’s successful outcomes also impact positively on our staff and volunteers’ morale, improving retention, and enhancing trust between us and the local community.

Client Story

I have been married for many years. During most of this time, my husband abused me with coercive controlling behaviour. One aspect of this type of abuse is that he controlled all the money in our relationship. I was not allowed to buy shopping etc. leaving me scared and unable to function properly.

 I finally found the courage to leave my husband. As a result of my abuse, I have found it difficult to cope and manage bills, shopping daily. I started spending beyond my means. I knew I was in a mess and needed help. CHAC put me at ease almost immediately, I felt able to talk openly with no judgement at all.

They carefully listened to my situation, and we worked together on a manageable repayment plan with my creditors. They certainly reassured me that I am not alone. But they did not stop there. They have offered me general debt and money advice. Because of this, I am now confident and possess the necessary skills to manage my money more effectively in the future.

 I cannot overstate how much CHAC have been true Godsends to me. My debt issues caused me immense stress such that my hair began to fall out. From the very first meeting, it felt like a great burden was finally being lifted off my shoulders. 

They worked tirelessly on my behalf. Such dedication is priceless and a credit to their commitment. All the staff I have had the pleasure in meeting cannot do enough for me. Making cups of tea and genuinely been helpful and supportive. I can’t thank CHAC enough.

Why we are Crowdfunding?

We are raising money to support our debt Centre running costs to provide holistic, person-centred support to a wide range of vulnerable individuals and families across Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley. Our clients have included care leavers, young and single parents, victims of domestic abuse, individuals with mental health challenges, people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and autism, carers, adults and family members with additional needs, and young people under the age of 20—a particularly concerning trend, highlighting the early onset of financial challenges in some households.

Our work takes place within a challenging economic and social environment. Middlesbrough consistently ranks as the most deprived local authorities in England, with nearly half of its neighbourhoods in the most income-deprived nationally Low household incomes, rising living costs, and high levels of unemployment contribute to widespread financial vulnerability, while many households rely on credit or loans to cover essential expenses such as food, energy, and housing. The key aspect of our work includes:

• Providing debt solutions such as Debt Relief Orders, Debt Management Plans, and other insolvency options.
• Delivering budgeting support and money management skills to help clients prioritise essential needs.
• Negotiating with creditors to manage debt, reduce enforcement pressures, and prevent escalation into crisis.
• Helping clients manage enforcement agencies and court summons.
• Supporting income maximisation by helping with welfare and benefits applications, including Personal Independence Payment, Child Disability Living Allowance, and Blue Badge applications. 
• Accessing grants and discount schemes for the clients
• Offering sessions in additional community venues or in the client's home to prevent barriers to accessing debt support.
• Linking clients to practical support, such as food vouchers, fuel assistance, and mental health services.
• In house referral during weekly CHAC Drop-In sessions when the Client presents with more than one problem.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Towards the running costs of the debt centre to ensure the centre operates efficiently. key costs include rent, Light and heat, communication, insurance, staff training.

How you can help

There are two simple ways to get involved and support our project:

1. Make a donation

Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too.

2. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family, and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.

More information about CHAC

Website: https://chac92.co.uk

Short video 3 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu8sr8fPiX0

Annual report and accounts: https://chac92.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Annual-report-and-accounts-2025.pdf

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made