A SHORTAGE of volunteers is blocking the expansion of a scheme to help vulnerable people in Ludlow with financial problems.

The Tenbury-based NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) opened one day a week in Ludlow last year.

But demand is so great that the project wants to open a second day and extend its hours.

But a lack of volunteers has so far prevented this.

The NILS scheme is currently open from Harvest House in Ludlow on Tuesdays but the hope is to add a Thursday and extend the hours.

“We need volunteers who want to help people,” said Laura Forbes, administrator of the NILS scheme.

“The most important thing is that volunteers care, want to help and have empathy. They must also, of course, be discreet and able to keep a confidence.”

Funds are in place for the expansion of a ‘made in Tenbury’ scheme that is pioneering a new way of helping vulnerable people in financial difficulties.

Laura Forbes says that the need for the scheme is as great as ever.

“We want people to understand that we are to help people with financial difficulties,” said Laura Forbes.

“The funds are available and we can help stop people getting caught up in a spiral of debt and misery.”

She said that, for too many people, the only option available might appear to be a loan with very high interest rates perhaps from a ‘loan shark'.

“These can quickly turn into a disaster with missed repayments that can all too soon turn a debt of a few hundred pounds into one of several thousands,” said Laura Forbes.

“We already have customers in Ludlow and the local area but know that there are more people that we could be helping.”

She said that in most cases it was not a case of people being profligate or irresponsible but simply needing to buy essentials for everyday life.

The NILS scheme is completely different to any other loan that is available even from credit unions.

People are able to borrow sums of up £400 worth in value for essential items.

This can include white goods such as cookers, freezers or washing machines as well as school uniforms or even computer equipment for school work.

However, a major difference with the NILS scheme is that no money actually changes hands.

Once a loan is agreed, the NILS scheme will purchase the item on behalf of the customer from a local supplier, where possible, and so this helps to keep the spending in the Tenbury area and provide a boost for the local economy.

People agree to make repayments at a level that they can afford which might be as little as £1 a week and the loan is usually for a year although it can be longer.

There is no interest or administration charge and so all that is paid back is the amount that has been borrowed.

The NILS scheme say that there has not been a major problem with people not making the repayments and that this is because they are set at a realistic level that can be afforded.

Some of the customers are in receipt of benefit and borrowers sign an agreement that would enable the NILS scheme to recover money from the Department for Work and Pensions.

However, this is only activated as a very last resort.

People who are interested in volunteering are asked to call Laura on 01584 811512.