MEN across York have been urged to speak out against illegal loan sharks operating in the area.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team is working with Trading Standards Authorities in North and East Yorkshire as part of a nationwide campaign and is holding a series of events to coincide with Men’s Health Week, from Monday to Sunday, June 16.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage the estimated 310,000 people around the country who are in debt to loan sharks to report them.

Research has shown that, although the number of men and women using illegal money lenders was almost equal, men were much less likely to report them.

Jim Pollard, of the Men’s Health Forum, said: “Illegal money lending may not sound like a health issue but it is – and a serious one. If you don’t have a health problem before you see a loan shark, you will afterwards.

“The terrible mental stress and outrageous interest rates have provoked suicides, suicide attempts and heart attacks to say nothing of the more obvious physical dangers that getting involved with loan sharks entails.

‘‘For the sake of your health and that of those around you, don’t do it. If you have money problems talk to Citizen’s Advice or a local credit union.”

In York, there will be a series of events, funded with proceeds of crime money taken from convicted loan sharks, to target local men including a session with Walmgate Boxing Club on Thursday and work throughout the week with York City football club.

The club will hold sessions at Clifton Green School to educate students on the dangers of borrowing money, and will also attend the York City in Community Annual Junior Club Tournament next weekend.

North Yorkshire Police will also work with the EIML team to visit homes and offer advice, and hosting training sessions for frontline staff at Arc Light and the York Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders housing associations.

On Sunday, June 16, representatives will be at York’s men-only 5k run, ‘‘R U Taking the P?’’, which raises money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To report a loan shark, phone the confidential hotline on 0300 5552222 or text ‘loan shark’ and a message to 60003, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or send a private message to facebook.com/stoploansharksproject

Councillor Linsay Cunningham-Cross, cabinet member for crime and stronger communities, said: “The current economic climate means that more and more people are facing problems with debt. It is important that residents are aware of the dangers of borrowing money from illegal money lenders and that those who are victims of this type of crime come forward.’’