LOCAL people struggling with overwhelming debt are set to get free help from an acclaimed charity opening a new centre based in Milford Haven.

Growing debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has partnered with a number of churches in Pembrokeshire to bring its in-depth service to the area.

Pembrokeshire is the tenth CAP debt centre to open in Wales - rare good news amid continuing economic difficulties. The latest centre will be the first in the area helping people initially in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Neyland and Johnston.

Pembrokeshire centre manager Naomi Joseph said: “The Church has always been about offering hope and we're really pleased to be able to give a tried-and-tested route out of debt alongside other great free debt advice in the area like Citizens Advice.

“There is a lot in the Bible about looking after the poorest. In our society, a lot of poverty is debt-related so our joint congregation have been working hard to open a CAP centre to help get people back on track.”

CAP offers people a uniquely in-depth, caring service to people with spiralling personal debt regardless of their age, gender, faith or background. Every client is visited in their own home, the charity does all the negotiating with creditors and local volunteers offer support to each person face-to-face until the day they are debt free.

Naomi added: “Typically, debts can build up when a relationship breaks down, or someone loses their job, or through bereavement – so often when people are least able to cope with a financial headache. We’re just so pleased to be able to partner the care of our church with the financial expertise of CAP’s head office in Bradford.”

• To find out more www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006