Organised by Stepchange, Debt Awareness Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of talking about debt and encouraging people to seek help as early as possible.
The 2026 campaign takes place from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd March and it’s a simple message that debt can affect anyone and nobody should feel ashamed about asking for help.
Last year, Stepchange’s campaign focused on stigma, and how shame stops people reaching out. And honestly? That’s something we still see all the time.
Debt happens — and it’s not a personal failure
When people think about debt, they often imagine someone being careless or irresponsible. But the reality is usually very different.
Debt often builds up because of an unexpected bill, a washing machine that needs repairing, having to leave work to look after a relative, a relationship breakdown and sadly losing a job. When these things happen it’s far too easy to bury your head in the sound but the faster you see help, often the easier it can be to sort out any problem debt.
Why Debt Awareness Week matters
Stepchange said their 2025 campaign shone a light on “the reality of financial difficulty” and encouraged people to seek support — because stigma stops so many people reaching out.
What the data tells us –
Our recent national polling shows that debt is far more common – and more stigmatised – than many people realise:
- Debt is common – Over half of people in the UK (50%+) have experienced problem debt at some point in their lives.
- Judgement fuels shame – Nearly 60% of people in debt feel others assume they are irresponsible, reinforcing stigma and discouraging them from seeking help.
- Stigma keeps people silent – While many say they would talk about money worries, almost half (44%) of people who have experienced debt told no one.
Research conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 4,000 UK nationally representative general consumers aged 18+, between 13/01/2026 and 19/01/2026.
What support can look like (in real life)
Charities like Stepchange and Citizens Advice offer help and support. You can find contact details of these charities on our Debt Management Advice page here. They are here to help you so don’t be afraid to ask.
Karen on the StepChange Feefo says:
“StepChange literally changed my life. I literally was so anxious about my debt, constantly living in constant fear of how I was going to pay my bills. But after contacting StepChange, I can now sleep at night, I have such relief now. It was the best decision I have made. StepChange have been so amazing, I just wish I had contacted them earlier. There is no shame for being in debt, it happens to lots of people, you are not alone.”
StepChange have a video that explains what free debt advice looks like and how it can help
Debt consolidation: one repayment, less pressure
If you’re paying off a number of credit cards, bank overdraft it can often be cheaper to manage the debt if you consolidate this into a Debt Consolidation Loan. The best start is for you to create a list of the amounts outstanding and how much you are paying back each month so you know exactly where you are. We can then look at this for you and if the payments would be cheaper when you consolidate we may then be able to offer this type of loan. Please read through the terms and conditions to make sure you are happy and please note that Wave Community Bank, as a community bank does not lend to people who wouldn’t be able to manage the payments.
You can find out more here Debt & Consolidation Loans here. It’s not a quick fix, and it won’t be right for everyone — but it can be a really positive step for people who just need a clearer path forward.
Turning Borrowers into Savers
The main difference with community banks like Wave is that we encourage and help people to get out of debt. Our model of having a saving element attached attached to each loan means that once you have paid off your loan you will have a savings account. For many people this can be the first time they’ve saved money and many people continue to then continue to pay into their savings account each month. This is how we turn borrowers into savers and is unique with community banks and not something that mainstream banks offer.
If you’re worried about debt — please don’t wait
Debt Awareness Week is a reminder that support exists, and you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you speak to StepChange for free, confidential advice, or reach out to us to explore your options — the most important thing is simply taking that first step. Because the sooner you get support, the sooner things can start to feel manageable again.
