Housing Plus Group customer helped to clear £15k debt
A Telford man who turned his finances around after clearing more than £15,000 of debt is encouraging others facing money worries to reach out and get support.
Lee Davis, 45, has shared his story to mark Talk Money Week, in the hope of showing others that help is available, and no one should feel ashamed to ask for it.
Lee, a Housing Plus Group customer, had lived in his home for 22 years, but started to build up debt when he found himself unable to work due to his health.
His income didn’t cover his bills, and he fell behind on rent. Lee said: “It built up over several years. I hit by the bedroom tax and didn’t have enough to live on.
“I stopped opening letters and stopped trying to pay it back. I stopped topping my gas meter up because I was in debt to my supplier.
“I was just burying my head in the sand. It was about as bad as it could be, I had given up on everything.”
Lee had previously been referred to the group’s money advice team and other agencies for support, but found it hard to ask for help.
But as debt letters continued to land, and faced with the prospect of losing his home, Lee knew “something needed to change”.
Dan Bebbington, debt and energy manager Housing Plus Group, said: “Lee had had so many people from different organisations try to help and it had not worked out, so it was important for us to show him that we meant what we said and that he could trust us.”
Dan worked closely with Lee to work out what he owed, while benefit advisor Mechele Clay helped him apply for additional support he was missing out on – nearly doubling his monthly income.
He said: “It was stressful of course, but it would have been so much more stressful doing it on my own. When I realised everything was going to be sorted, I could start to feel the weight lift.”
A turning point came when Lee accepted he would need to downsize in order to bring his rent and outgoings to a more manageable level. He said: “I didn’t like the idea of moving, I didn’t know what I would do.
“But I realised it was the only option, it came to that crunch point where it had to be done.”
In April 2024, Lee was supported by the local housing team to move into a one-bed property, and shortly afterwards received confirmation of his Debt Relief Order, wiping £15,000 of debt.
Lee credits the support not only with improving his finances, but also his mental health. He has now been debt-free for 18 months and has gained a new outlook on life.
Lee added: “Don’t bury your head in the sand like I did. There is help out there, I wish I had asked for it sooner.”
Dan Bebbington added: “Lee’s story is exactly why we do what we do. He was overwhelmed and stuck, but with the right support, he’s now looking forward to the future.
“Talk Money Week is about breaking the silence, and I hope Lee’s courage in sharing his journey will help others do just that.”
5th November 2025