Blackpool Food Bank Scoops National Award For Tackling Loan Sharks

By Jill Dando News

Blackpool Food Bank has won a national award in recognition of its efforts to help in the fight against loan sharks.

The organisation has been made an official accredited partner of the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) after launching initiatives in the local area to help tackle loan sharks and make communities safer.

The IMLT, also known as Stop Loan Sharks, investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting those who have borrowed money from a loan shark.

The accreditation programme recognises and rewards partners that work alongside the IMLT to raise awareness of illegal money lenders and their impact on local communities, and to create safer spaces for people to live and work.

Blackpool Food Bank supplies over 100 partner organisations across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre with donations of food for those most in need.

Last year it helped to raise awareness about illegal lending and the help available by sending out Stop Loan Sharks flyers with food parcels. It also arranged free IMLT training for partner organisations and regularly supported IMLT campaigns on social media and at community events.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, said: “We would like to congratulate Blackpool Food Bank on this partner recognition award and thank them for their outstanding efforts tackling illegal money lenders who target the most vulnerable in local communities.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our partners across the country and rely on them to act as our eyes and ears in these communities. By working together, we can stamp out illegal money lending and protect residents from this awful crime.

“We continue to encourage people to come forward if they, or anyone they know has been affected by illegal lending activity. You are not alone and we will support you.”

Victoria Blakeman, CEO of Blackpool Food Bank, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support the IMLT and the Stop Loan Sharks campaigns.  Together with our local partners we see daily the impact loan sharks and the associated debt can have on people and we will continue to support the work of the IMLT.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IMLT. Since its launch, the IMLT has supported over 31,500 people and written off over £91.2 million worth of illegal debt, securing over 418 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to 598 years in jail.

Anyone who believes they might have borrowed from an illegal lender can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or complete an online report form at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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