A CHURCH-based charity has rescued 120 families in the Taunton and West Somerset areas from debt since it was established two years ago.

A local branch of Christians Against Poverty free service to help get people's finances in order was set up after Taunton Vineyard Church members decided they wanted to do something to help their community.

The team has since helped despairing families and individuals through a face-to-face, caring service offering hope and a solution.

Centre manager Jon Carrington, based at North Street Church, said: “We've been in a lot of homes and learned about some very sad situations.

"Debt can be so destructive, making people feel desperate, scared to go out or even open the curtains.

"Relationships come under a lot of stress and people worry about keeping their home and providing for their families.

"However, we’ve also seen that however terrible something appears, there's always a solution and the benefit of the way CAP works is that it's really thorough, taking someone step by step to becoming debt free."

Somerset County Gazette:

Jon Carrington.

Mr Carrington said common reasons for debt include low income, relationship breakdown, joblessness, problems with benefits, illness or bereavement.

And the worst times for people getting into money problems are school holidays and Christmas.

"When someone finds themselves in a pit of despair, vulnerability and confusion resulting from debt, it takes a great deal of courage to make that first step of asking for help," said Mr Carrington.

CAP’s service is available to everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background.

The charity has offices in Taunton and Williton, but anyone in debt should contact the head office in Bradford, which will arrange a home visit by Mr Carrington.

He will carry out an audit and CAP's central office will liaise with various people who are owed money to agree a plan to get the client back into the black.

To find out more, visit www.capuk.org or call 0800-3280006.

CASE STUDY.

Taunton man David - not his real name - was married with a young child and working successfully in banking in 2010.

But when he lost his job in the banking crash, the severance package was insufficient to cover the family’s outgoings.

He took several low-paid temping jobs and continually struggled to meet mortgage and car repayments.

His car was repossessed and he found it difficult to get work, with the increasing pressure causing the breakdown of his marriage.

Unfortunately, things got worse when David was attacked and left with severe head injuries.

It was impossible for him to work, and he barely survived on Employment Support Allowance, which didn’t even cover his rent, leading to anxiety and depression.

Eight months ago, on one of his visits to the Job Centre, he was signposted to CAP - and he's now debt free.

The debt centre manager went into his house, took away lots of paperwork, sorted out essential and non-essential debts and provide face-to-face support.

David said: "If you're struggling with debt, don’t be too proud to seek help or advice and never forget that there are people out there waiting to help you – just be brave enough to pick up the phone.”