PEOPLE in debt are ‘suffering in silence’ instead of asking for help, a debt counselling charity has found.

In a survey of more than 1,700 of its clients, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) found that a third of people delayed calling the charity for three or more years, thinking they could sort out their financial problems on their own.

But Pembrokeshire CAP centre manager Naomi Joseph is urging people to ask for help earlier.

“People will know if they have a problem,” said Naomi.

“They will be the ones who are awake at night worrying; unable to meet frequent creditors’ demands and struggling to afford the basics of life.

“Today we are saying, if that is you, now is the time to get some help to sort things out.”

Asked why people delayed asking for debt help, CAP found 65 per cent thought they could sort out their debts themselves; 39 per cent felt embarrassed or ashamed while 37 per cent thought no one else could help.

“The reality is, if you try to tackle the big companies as an individual, they react very differently from when a debt counselling charity gets in touch,” said Naomi.

“We are speaking to the banks and loan companies every day as we make negotiations on behalf of people.

“Asking for this kind of service need not be embarrassing.

“CAP is not an organisation that will make a judgement about what you could have done or what mistakes you made.

“We are just interested in setting the wheels in motion to get you debt free.”

CAP has 12 debt centres in Wales including one that opened last year in Milford Haven, which covers Pembrokeshire.

Each centre gives free help in clients’ homes, regardless of age, gender, faith or background.

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