A LIFE-saving debt counselling service is celebrating eight years helping people in Colchester with their finances.

In 2013, after austerity measures were introduced by the Government, a group of churches in the town partnered with charity Christians Against Poverty to launch Colchester CAP Debt Centre.

Since launching, the debt centre has helped more than 500 households with free advice.

Paula Goddard, Colchester CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “Looking back we knew there was a need in the area.

"We were just blown away by how much we were needed when the credit crunch hit.

"Since that time the Colchester CAP Debt Centre has seen over 500 households, with many repossessions stopped, relationships saved from breakdown and lives saved from suicide."

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Mrs Goddard, who herself is a former user of the centre, said the volunteers give a unique, face-to-face service in the community, which is backed up by financial experts at CAP’s head office.

“For me, it’s an amazing position to be in and sometimes very challenging too," she said.

"We see people often at the lowest point but then we get to see that burden taken away and so many other issues addressed along the way and that is a great joy.

“There are still many more people to help though, so while we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate each and every person who has made it to the other side of debt we want everyone else who may still be struggling to know that we are here to help them completely free of charge too.”

Since 2019 the centre has also been offering a Life Skills course.

With six courses completed and two more coming up at locations dotted around Colchester, the course welcomes anyone wishing to learn something new and be part of a community.

If you are in need of help with debts, contact CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.