A LOCAL church group supporting people struggling with debt have reached out in a bid to raise awareness of the links between financial trouble and mental health.

Members of the congregations of four churches in Highworth run a debt support centre in partnership with the national charity Christians Against Poverty under the umbrella Highworth CAP.

They have found that poor mental health often runs hand in hand with financial difficulties and, in the spirit of Mental Health Awareness week, they want to let people know that debt help and friendship are available locally.

Although the group is run by committed Christians, motivated by faith in their pursuit of helping others, it does not discriminate and has a track record of helping people of all religions and none.

Highworth CAP Debt Centre Manager, Kathryn Ford, said: “If you’ve no money but you’re getting constant demands, threatening letters and phone calls, it’s very stressful.

“There’s the fear of losing your home, the worry of not being a good parent, relationships feeling the pressure.

“It’s not surprising that a quarter of our clients describe themselves as having poor mental health.

“However, it also goes the other way. Debt can also be a by-product of an on-going condition.

“It’s much harder to be working and earning if you’re suffering with a mental health issue and therefore, you’re more likely to be struggling with day-to-day costs.”

Unlike the debt-management and consolidation firms that take a fee for their advice, the Highworth CAP team offer their service for free thanks to financial help from the national charity and local fundraising efforts.

Nationally, CAP has won several awards and independent experts on money management such as TV's ‘money saving expert’ Martin Lewis point to them as the place to go for vulnerable people.

Kathryn added: “The point is, if you’re feeling low and financial problems are part of that, we want to hear from you.

“We can come to see you in your home, the staff at the CAP headquarters in Bradford negotiate with all your creditors and we organise all the paperwork.

“It’s also absolutely free and for everyone whatever their age, gender, faith or background.”

In a recent survey, 94 per cent of people who went to CAP with debt issues described their support as either “a great help” or even “life transforming.”

CAP is not alone among faith communities in identifying the serious and worsening problem of debt in the UK and trying to find ways to address it.

In a recent House of Commons debate, MPs noted the contribution that such communities play, not only in their immediate circle, but in society more widely too.

If you feel you or anyone else you know may need the sort of help being offered by the team in Highworth, you can visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.