'Debt can impact anyone', says charity leader

Debt can impact anyone at anytime and everywhere, a charity leader has said.

Alison Berry, from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in Windsor, said: "Sadly, the need for free face-to-face personal debt advice has really increased."

The charity has opened a new debt centre at Kerith Community Church in Dedworth Road to provide support to those who need it.

CAP was founded in 1996 and specialises in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty as well as free advice and practical support.

Ms Berry explained even in affluent areas people were struggling and "debt exists everywhere, nobody is exempt".

The charity partners with churches all over the UK to provide face-to-face support.

She said: "Hundreds of thousands of adults across Berkshire are struggling with their personal finances and are at the point where they need specialist financial advice."

She added the impact of struggling with unmanageable debt meant people were often quite hidden, "they will be scared to leave their home, scared to answer the phone and we know that is happening in communities everywhere".

"One in three people in Berkshire have some sort of unmanageable debt," Ms Berry told the BBC.

"Although you might feel it's very hidden and not needed in places like Windsor, it absolutely is."

The charity leader said people could reach out for support.

"It's the bravest thing you can do actually, to say 'I need help' but that one phone call is the only thing you need to do on your own," she added.

"Christians Against Poverty will then be there to support you on that journey in whatever way we can be for you."

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