Car dealers and finance companies may have misled many people in our community and could be owed money. A big  Supreme Court case  decided that if lenders  hid high commissions  from buyers—often targeting people who didn’t fully understand the    contracts. We know: Many of us don’t speak English fluently,   salespeople don’t always explain the small print, we’re told “just sign here” without knowing the cost Now, there's a chance to  get justice . Debt Talk CIC  is a local, Bangladeshi-led organisation offering  Bangla-speaking support  to help you: Understand what’s going on Check if you were mis-sold Get support to take action— for free This isn’t just about cars. It’s about  respect, justice, and standing up  for our rights.

Dear Friends, This is the moment many of us have been waiting for. For the first time in living memory, a community-led initiative founded and driven by the Bengali community in East London is here: Debt Talk CIC. I’m proud to lead this first phase of outreach, offering practical, high-quality advice and support on the issues that matter most—benefits, debt, housing, and more—right at the heart of our community. This is just the beginning. As we grow, so too will our capacity to serve, all while staying rooted in our values and lived experiences. Please feel free to share the attached leaflet widely. Together, we can make sure everyone in our community knows where to turn for clear, transparent, and trustworthy support. This is about building a future led by us, for us. With solidarity, Ripon

I am deeply honoured to have been elected as an Assembly Member of the ECDN European Consumer Debt Network, representing the United Kingdom. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the European debt sector to address the complex issue of over-indebtedness. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and fostering cross-border cooperation, I believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Thank you sincerely for welcoming me into this dedicated and inspiring community!

According to UK government data for the year ending 2023, there were an estimated 2.4 million separated families and 3.8 million children living in those households. More than half of divorced families had formal child maintenance arrangements —a figure that highlights the growing intersection of family separation and financial strain. This month’s Debt Talk with Ripon Ray dives deep into the theme: ‘Family Planning, Divorce & Debt’ , bringing forward real-life stories that reveal how personal relationships, cultural expectations, and legal frameworks collide—often with emotional and financial consequences. Bilkis Khanom , a British Bangladeshi woman, bravely shares her story of marrying outside her religious and cultural upbringing. Although she married under Islamic law, her separation left her feeling isolated—both emotionally and socially. She discusses the legal and personal challenges she faced, and the profound impact of being disconnected from her community during a vu...

  'Dear Ripon, I wanted to sincerely thank you for taking the time to speak with me and share your experiences and insights. It was truly an honour to learn from someone who has made such a meaningful impact in the debt advice space, both through Citizens Advice and Debt Talk CIC. Your passion for equitable representation, especially your tireless work in amplifying the voices of the Bangladeshi community, is both inspiring and deeply needed. Your leadership and pioneering spirit came through clearly in our conversation, and it has greatly enriched my understanding of the real-world challenges and innovations within the sector. I also admire your ability to use platforms like your podcast to reach and empower audiences internationally. It’s a powerful reminder of how dedication and purpose-driven communication can create real change. Thank you again for your time and openness. I am truly grateful, and I hope to carry forward the insights you have shared in a meaningfu...

6% of UK children now rely on foodbanks. What does that say about the state’s responsibility toward children and other vulnerable members of society? Is the current welfare state fit for purpose? Or are we sleepwalking into the slow erosion of what remains of it? In this month’s Debt Talk podcast, hosted by Ripon Ray, three distinguished experts joined the conversation on “Foodbanks & the Welfare State.” Helen Barnard from the Trussell Trust spoke about how poverty in the UK runs far deeper than it appears. The prevalence of child poverty reflects the shameful state of public affairs in Britain, where turning to foodbanks has become the norm for many families. The lack of food at home doesn’t just affect individuals—it also places added pressure on public services, including health and social care. Dan White from Disability Rights UK highlighted how already marginalised communities, particularly disabled people, have been further targeted by current government policies. Discrimin...