We launch ‘A life less painful’, a ‘Jackass-style’ video campaign

New campaign is designed to help students avoid getting caught out or ripped off

The Financial Ombudsman Service, resolver.co.uk and Ombudsman Services are teaming up for the first time to help students know where to turn when life gets painful!

The unique campaign is designed to help students be pre-warned. Students are far less likely than any other age group to know their rights or pursue a complaint if they think they’ve been treated unfairly.

Problems with payday loans, energy bills, mobile phone mishaps and insurance woes can all be a pain in students’ lives. That’s why Resolver and the ombudsmen have teamed up to provide students with a less painful alternative – and for free.

‘A life less painful’ will see the release of eight ‘Jackass-style’ adverts to be aired on student television and in student unions over the coming months. They will show how students can brush aside whatever those painful problems are that make life difficult.

See all the vids at www.alifelesspainful.com

…or start you complaint via Resolver now

Lewis Shand Smith of Ombudsman Services said:

“We realise that for most students this is the first time they will have dealt with utilities and communication contracts and we feel it’s important to provide them with timely advice so that they know there’s free, straightforward help available when things go wrong.”

Caroline Wayman of the Financial Ombudsman Services added:

“Students and money don’t always get on, but it’s important that they know their rights if they have a problem. Through working together we can make sure that all students know where can they turn if they have a problem with a bank, estate agent – anyone!”

James Walker of Resolver, said:

“The adverts are awesome! Which would you prefer? Walking over drawing pins, flicking rubber bands in your face, or a life less painful by resolving your problems using resolver.co.uk and the ombudsman to help you?

We want to ensure students know we can help when something isn’t right!”

The first adverts go live on 20th October and will run across SubTV, the Student TV channel aired over 1,800 screens in 89 Student Unions across the country and will then continue throughout the year at selected intervals.

resolver.co.uk has also entered every UK University into the system to allow students to complain and seek redress from their own education establishment. As students today are paying large fees Resolver believes they have the right to expect good service and good quality education – what they paid for!

Notes to editors:

Ombudsman Services

• Ombudsman Services is an independent dispute resolution provider. It handles complaints from consumers about companies in the energy, communications, property and copyright licensing sectors. The service has been approved by regulatory authorities and trade bodies and it is free for consumers to use. Ombudsman Services does not take sides and it’s decisions are binding on participating companies. To find out more visit www.ombudsman-services.org.

Financial Ombudsman Service

• The Financial Ombudsman Service is the free service set up by law which helps to sort out problems between consumers and their bank, payday lender or insurance company. If you think you’ve been treated unfairly and you’re not happy with what the business had told you, get in touch.

Resolver

• Resolver’s goal is to help consumers get results by making complaining quick and straightforward. We also believe that most businesses want to resolve issues and do the right thing for customers. We are independent, free and focused on improving consumer rights and satisfaction.
• Resolver’s system is built on comprehensive research into the correct complaint procedures, including consultation with regulators, government departments, ombudsmen and consumer rights organisations.
• Unlike traditional complaints procedures, Resolver guides and supports you throughout the complaint process. The system makes recommendations on next steps and when to take them, helps you keep track of your complaint and enables you to store all relevant information securely in one place.
• James Walker writes a weekly column on consumer rights to help consumers manage and resolve complaints. It is published in over 50 newspapers and magazines. Resolver has also been featured on Radio 4 Moneybox, Moneybox Live, You and Yours, the Sun (including App of the Week), the Star, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail, BBC News, the Metro (App of the Week) and ITV Good Morning Britain.

• The adverts and supporting material will be available at www.alifelesspainful.com