Improving debt-advice access in Lazio Region

ongoing

The BEYOND-DEBT project builds on the need highlighted by Article 3 TEU: “The Union shall establish an internal market. It shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth […], a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress […] and shall promote social justice and protection. The project focuses its attention on the Lazio Region: as of October 2023, there were 22,744 over-indebtedness applications submitted to the competent courts in Lazio. This figure places the region in third place in Italy for the number of applications, preceded only by Lombardy and Campania. Compared to the previous year, there was a 14.8% increase in the number of applications submitted, demonstrating a growing phenomenon that requires priority attention. The project pursues the following objectives: -To increase competences of debt advisors -To provide in-situ and virtual debt support - To provide relevant information about consumer protection and financial knowledge The project's objectives are focused on enhancing the skills of debt advisors, providing accessible debt support, and disseminating information on consumer protection and financial knowledge. To achieve these objectives, the project adopts a multi-faceted approach and methodology that includes capacity building, service delivery, and information dissemination strategies. The project aims to achieve the following short-term effects - Immediate increase in the competence of debt advisors through workshops, leading to improved service quality. - Awareness and knowledge enhancement among the public and target groups about consumer protection and financial knowledge through the communication campaign, informative videos, and local events. - Establishment of physical and virtual seats for debt advice, providing accessible support channels.