A DEBT service with a difference has opened with help from one of Winsford’s most popular churches.

Christ Church in Wharton has joined forces with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – a national debt counselling charity that aims ‘show God’s love in action’ by helping people manage their money – to offer support to the people of mid Cheshire.

Congregation member and Winsford resident, Steve Howe, is heading up the operation, and will negotiate with creditors to work out a realistic budgets for member of the community – regardless of religion.

The aim is to make sure people can buy food and pay essential bills, and find a way to be debt free within five years.

Working as a volunteer two-days a week, Steve will be supported and managed by the charity’s operations centre in Bradford, so that he can offer clients a CAP bank account and insolvency services.

He said: “There is a massive debt problem in the UK. In Winsford we have got three estates and we’re in the bottom 10 per cent for social deprivation in the country.

“The Citizens Advice Bureau is handling around 35 cases a month, that’s an awful lot. I’ll be helping them get access to the financial services they need and the church will help make sure they are doing OK with things like food and welfare.”

Matt Barlow, UK CEO of Christians Against Poverty, said: “We aim to bring hope and a free, practical solution to the problem of debt, whilst helping individuals through the often traumatic consequences, which can include divorce, going hungry and even attempted suicide.

“Steve will be a fantastic asset to us as a charity as we seek to help even more people across the UK, and we have every confidence that the local community in mid Cheshire will soon feel the benefits of having a CAP centre on their doorstep.”

Steve added: “The worst thing someone in debt can do is stay silent, so I would urge anyone in financial difficulty in the area to contact me. Being in debt is nothing to be ashamed of and I know we can work together to provide a lasting solution.”

For more information, visit capuk.org or call on 0800 328 0006.