ESCAPING from debt is much easier said than done – so a Swindon charity is taking on new clients to help them into the black.

Two branches of Christians Against Poverty have reopened their helplines to offer a free service in partnership with local churches.

Former client Carol said about working with CAP: “I have a much better relationship with my children now. When you’re stressed and anxious you’re very short-tempered. I was so stressed I wasn’t sleeping, eating properly, I wasn’t looking after myself.

“When I think about it now – I felt so awful a person that I’d got into that situation where I couldn’t feed my family.”

Since starting in 1996, CAP has helped thousands of people deal with problem debt and has attracted trusted advocates like money saving expert Martin Lewis.

The majority of CAP’s clients (66 per cent) waited more than a year before seeking help. One in three grew up in a home affected by debt and four in five say debt negatively affected their children.

Highworth’s debt centre manager Kathryn Ford said: “Financial problems feel overwhelming but there is free help available to deal with them. If you are worrying about how to deal with money after Christmas, do not delay, make the call and we can deal with it together.

“We have a freephone number – 0800 328 0006 – to make it as easy as possible to get in touch. The team are ready so that at the beginning of 2020, you can start on the journey towards getting out of debt.

“They’ll sort out an appointment with a debt coach from Swindon or Highworth who will come visit you in the privacy of your home.”

Visit capuk.org