Free drop-in advice sessions are being held across Milton Keynes this summer to help residents spot illegal money lending, understand safer options and speak directly with support teams.
The programme runs across local venues including Lidl foyers, community larders and Wolverton Library, with the first session held on Wednesday 3 June and further events scheduled from Monday 13 July to Wednesday 15 July. Attendance is free, and residents do not need a booking for the drop-in sessions.
The events are aimed at anyone worried about money, anyone who thinks they may have been affected by a loan shark, and residents who want to understand the warning signs before a problem escalates. The work is part of Operation Sharknet, with Milton Keynes City Council working alongside the England Illegal Money Lending Team, Thames Valley Police, SOFEA Community Larder and Acorn Community Bank.
Free advice across Milton Keynes in July
The summer programme is designed to bring support into everyday local settings rather than expecting residents to find help elsewhere. Advisors will be available to explain how illegal lending can operate, what warning signs to look for, and what safer, more affordable borrowing routes may be available.
A related local guide to free loan shark advice in Milton Keynes also sets out the wider support route for residents seeking confidential help.
The first event took place at Lidl in Brooklands, where Cllr Saleena Raja, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, joined partner organisations and the Stop Loan Sharks mascot, Sharky, to speak with residents.
Cllr Raja said financial pressure can affect anyone and that loan sharks often target people when they are vulnerable. She encouraged residents who are concerned, or who simply want to understand their options, to come along and speak with advisors.
Session dates, venues and times
| Date | Where and when |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 3 June | Lidl foyer, Bletchley, 10.30am-1pm; Water Hall Larder, Fern Grove, Bletchley, 1.30pm-3.30pm; walkabout at Fern Grove, Melfort Drive and Torridon Close, 1.30pm-2.30pm |
| Monday 13 July | Lidl foyer, Blakelands, 10.30am-1pm; Rainbows Larder, Pepper Hill School, Kingsfold, 1.30pm-3.30pm; walkabout at Bekanscot Court and Runnymede, Giffard Park, 1.30pm-2.30pm |
| Tuesday 14 July | Lidl foyer and Wolverton Library, 10.30am-1pm; drop-in at Wolverton Library, 2.30pm-3.30pm; walkabout at St George’s Way, Green Lane and Moon Street, 1.30pm-2.30pm |
| Wednesday 15 July | Springfield Larder, Springfield Boulevard, 2pm-4pm |
Who the drop-ins are for
The sessions are open to the general public. They are particularly relevant for residents who are under financial pressure, have borrowed from someone informally and are now worried about repayment demands, or want to know how to avoid unsafe lending.
Support at the sessions will focus on practical guidance rather than formal appointments. Residents can ask questions, discuss concerns and learn how to identify the signs of illegal money lending.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team has been operating since 2004. According to the council’s source information, it has secured around 434 successful prosecutions, illegal lenders have been sentenced to more than 618 years in prison, more than £92 million in illegal debt has been written off, and around 33,000 borrowers have been supported.
Confidential support available day and night
Anyone affected by illegal money lending is encouraged to seek help. Support is confidential and available 24/7.
Residents can call 0300 555 2222, visit Stop Loan Sharks online, use live chat through the website, or contact the service on WhatsApp at 07700 102773.
Source: Milton_Keynes Scraper
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This article was built from the published Milton Keynes City Council event notice and keeps to the listed dates, venues and support details.
- Checked the programme dates and session times against the source schedule.
- Kept the cost and entry status to the stated free drop-in format.
- Used only named partner organisations listed in the source notice.
- Separated the first 3 June event from the remaining July sessions because the current date...
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- Milton Keynes City Council
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- Milton Keynes
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- 2026-06-05 04:38
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