Don't fear the repo

This new information resource, funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, will prove invaluable to local homeowners the charity says and can be found at www.housingadviceni.org.

Over the past two years, Housing Rights Service has experienced a huge increase in demand for its debt counseling service. This addition to its public advice website is the latest in a string of initiatives the charity has undertaken to assist struggling homeowners.

The new repossession section, which was developed in conjunction with HRS specialist debt advisers, contains practical advice, self-help tools and referral information.

Claire Moss from Housing Rights Service commented: "People can panic when faced with the prospect of losing their home and often worry about the stigma associated with repossession.

"This new resource offers free, practical and easy to understand information about repossession in the privacy of peoples own homes at a time that suits them."

The self-help tools available on the site include a letter generator to help borrowers communicate with their lenders, an income and expenditure calculator to help prepare an accurate budget and an advice troubleshooter, which will enable people to see what steps they should take next.

Ms Moss continued: "We believe this new resource will empower people to take the first step in saving their homes. If you or someone you know is worried about repossession visit www.housingadviceNI.org ."