A charity for the home improvement industry has started a helpline service to offer debt advice, counselling and legal advice.

The Rainy Day Trust is running the service in conjunction with the retailTRUST. The helpline goes live this month and is absolutely free of charge to everybody working in the home improvement industry – whether it’s in hardware, DIY, housewares or building products, and no matter if it’s in retail, wholesale or manufacturing. It is also available to people who have retired from the industry.

“The service exists to signpost you to the best provider for your needs, be it emotional counselling, hardship grants, debt and legal advice, career support or personal support,” said Rainy Day Trust general secretary Diane Stevens.

“We all need someone to talk to when we are experiencing problems, and the helpline is your first point of contact for help, understanding and back-up. Whatever the problem, we can help.”

She added: “We can give telephone debt support through our partnerships with debt charities, for instance, helping you find the best debt solution tailored to meet your individual situation. And everything covered by the helpline is free of charge, and completely confidential. Even the phone call is free.”

The helpline can be reached on 0808 801 0877, and the service is available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4pm on Friday.