SWINDON’S Citizens Advice Bureau is launching a campaign to help people manage their debts and stay in their homes in 2010.

Swindon is one of 56 ‘repossession hotspots’ recently identified by the Government as being at greater risk due to having higher levels of unemployment and repossession court orders.

Citizens Advice Bureaux across England and Wales saw a 42 per cent increase in enquiries about mortgages and secured loans arrears in the 12 months leading up to September 2009.

In Swindon, the CAB saw a 65 per cent increase in enquiries about mortgages and secured loans arrears in the period from April to December last year, compared to the same period in 2008.

Over the next few weeks the bureau in Faringdon Road will aim to raise awareness of the free face to face and impartial advice available to help families who find themselves in this situation. The aim being to equip them with information on managing and prioritising debt, staying on top of paying their bills and reducing the risk of losing their homes.

The bureau will be running two special money advice days in the Brunel Shopping Centre this Friday and Saturday, between 10am and 4pm where people can talk to their specialist advisers.

Claire Newport, manager at Swindon CAB, said: “Many people face money worries at this time of year and don’t know where to turn for help.

“Swindon CAB has a number of experts offering free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of topics, particularly debt problems which are currently our number one issue.

“Anyone who is worried or concerned can either make an appointment to see one of our advisers or pop along to one of our Money Advice days at the Brunel. We also have a number of leaflets and advice sheets available at the bureaux to take away if people would rather try to tackle the problem themselves. The worst thing people can do is bury their heads in the sand!”

Throughout March, Swindon CAB will be offering tips and guidance on coping with the new year financial hangover, mortgage payment problem dos and don’ts, and advice on Government help.

The campaign is part of a wide range of extra support the Government is offering to struggling homeowners. Visit the website at http:// mortgagehelp.direct.gov.uk/