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What was the project?

We were lucky enough to receive funding from the Illegal Money Lending Team as part of the Stop Loan Sharks project to help raise awareness in the Halton area about the dangers of Loan Sharks, and what support is available for those affected. It’s estimated that over 3,000 households are affected by debt from Loan Sharks. By using funding taken from Loan Sharks that had been caught and arrested, we began our awareness campaign. Below is a video highlighting what we did during our awareness campaign, including our huge, community created Graffiti Memorial. 

Concept to creation

This project was by done in collaboration with Schools in Halton, in particular from Runcorn & Widnes. We went to three primary Schools; Halton Lodge, Widnes Academy and St.Michaels. During our time at each school, we worked on teaching young people how to make digital posters, all of which focused on raising loan shark awareness. After receiving a multitude of amazing designs from each primary school, they were then passed onto Kieran of Zap Graffiti. Kieran took ideas from all of the young people’s artwork which were incorporated into one large mural piece.
Below is a video showcasing some of the digital posters:

The big day

On Saturday 12th October, painting began at Widnes Market as the final design for the mural had been approved. The mural was created as a community piece with members of the public, old and young, invited to join in the painting. Whilst this was the main allure, there were other activities such as; Meeting Sid The Shark, Colouring in Loan Shark themed sheets, Draw your own Loan Shark poster (which also had a prize) and gift bags with free advice from Halton Credit Union. Cheshire Police and the Stop Loan Sharks team were also on hand. 

Help stop a Loan Shark

If you or anyone you know is affected by a Loan Shark / Illegal Money Lender, then know there is support. Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 390 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 480 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £74 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 29,000 people.
Call 0300 555 2222 to place an anonymous report or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk 

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