Free drop-in sessions across Milton Keynes are being held in June and July to help residents spot illegal money lending, get financial guidance and find safer support.
The Summer programme of events to support residents and tackle loan sharks is being delivered through Operation Sharknet by Milton Keynes City Council with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), Thames Valley Police, SOFEA Community Larder and Acorn Community Bank.
The sessions are aimed at anyone worried about money, anyone who thinks they may have been affected by a loan shark, or residents who want to understand the warning signs before a problem escalates. Entry is free and the upcoming events are drop-in sessions, with no booking details listed by the organisers.
Free drop-in advice across Milton Keynes
The programme brings advice into supermarkets, libraries, community larders and neighbourhood walkabout locations rather than asking residents to seek out a central appointment.
Advisors will be available to explain how illegal money lenders operate, what warning signs people can look for, and what safer, more affordable options may be available. The events also give residents a way to speak directly with support organisations in familiar local settings.
Cllr Saleena Raja, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said financial pressure can affect anyone and that loan sharks often target people when they are most vulnerable. She encouraged residents who are concerned, or who want to understand their options, to attend and speak with advisors.
Dates, times and locations
| Date | Free drop-in and outreach sessions |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The first event in the programme took place at Lidl in Brooklands on Wednesday 3 June, where the council said partners joined residents to raise awareness as part of the campaign.
What residents can ask about
The sessions are designed for practical conversations rather than formal appointments. Residents can use them to ask how to identify a loan shark, what support is available for people already affected, and how to explore safer financial routes.
Illegal money lending can be difficult to talk about, especially when debts have built up privately or through informal borrowing. The organisers say the programme is intended to make support easier to access in local communities during June and July.
The IMLT has operated since 2004. According to the source information, it has secured around 434 successful prosecutions, illegal lenders have received 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 24/7
Anyone affected by illegal money lending is encouraged to seek help. Support is confidential and available at any time through the Stop Loan Sharks helpline on 0300 555 2222.
Residents can also use the Stop Loan Sharks website, live chat through the website, or WhatsApp on 07700 102773.
Source: Milton Keynes City Council
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This preview uses the published Milton Keynes event notice for dates, venues, partners and support details.
- Matched the event schedule against the listed June and July sessions.
- Kept the cost and entry status to the source-backed free drop-in format.
- Used only the named partner organisations and support channels provided in the notice.
- Did not add booking, transport or accessibility details because they were not supplied.
- Source
- Milton Keynes City Council
- Scope
- Milton Keynes
- Updated
- 2026-06-04 00:39
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