HUNDREDS of people struggling with debt have discovered they have somewhere to turn thanks to a Southend charity – and on February 9 more people will call on them than ever before.

Christians Against Poverty, with debt centres in Basildon and Southend, says the post- Christmas battle to get finances sorted has begun in earnest.

Rather than the mythical peak known as Blue Monday on January 19, the charity actually receives the most calls for debt help on the second Monday in February.

Richard Leadley, manager of the Southend centre, said: “Every week, the busiest day for debt help calls is a Monday, when people have had time over the weekend to resolve to seek help.

“We see a rise in calls during January and February, because most people can’t face tackling their finances before Christmas.

When these two elements come together, we see our busiest time.

“As our reach extends to more areas, with more debt coaches, we are set to see more people booked in than ever before.”

Already in the first working week of 2015, it received 479 calls for debt help. Southend Debt Centre is currently booked up until the end of February.

Recent research has shown people often struggle for years with personal debt following income changes caused by events such as losing a job or a relationship breakdown.

Richard, who is based at the Shoeburyness and Thorpe Bay Baptist Church and works in partnership with other churches across the borough, has four new clients a month as residents decide to sort out their finances.

He explained: “One of the things we try to do is assess their personal circumstances. Have they got enough food in the cupboard, do we need to find them a foodbank?

“All of the issues are around people lacking budgeting skills and no money management. If I can stop someone getting into debt by giving them some skills then that’s brilliant.

“Sadly, it’s quite easy to get into these situations. There’s a lot of pressure on people to spend money, we are encouraged to spend to keep the economy going and people often spend under pressure. It could be peer pressure, but the reality is people can spend so easily.”

With credit card bills racking up, Richard regularly helps homeowners, families, single people and those on benefits.

He added: “On February 9, it’s after Christmas, credit card bills are coming in and people have been spending more and often not knowing how much that’s been spent. Then the bills start coming through in the middle of January to be paid in Februaryand so it’s at that time it just creeps up.”

Anyone calling CAP for help rings 0800 328 0006 and are booked in for a home visit from Richard, who spends time learning what has happened and shows a way forward out of debt.

Then all the person’s outstanding bills and letters from creditors are sent to the head office in Bradford.

The charity negotiates with each creditor on behalf of the client and draws up a budget to begin to repay what is owed.

Richard said: “It can feel like you’ve hit a brick wall, but we see ‘impossible’ situations where people get their debts cleared. There are people to help and it can get sorted, however complicated or dire it seems.

“They are not on their own. So many others have gone through these issues too and we can help.

“Anyone having sleepless nights, unable to afford the basics or worried about meeting their rent or mortgage should call us, or one of the other good free debt agencies, and see how we can help.”

If you need help call CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org