Credit crunch sees level of debt soar

1:37pm Monday 29th September 2008

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THE credit crunch is biting down hard on hard-pressed people across the Hambleton area where the level of debt has doubled since last year.

In their efforts to cope with the deluge of inquiries, the district’s Citizens Advice Bureau is urgently seeking more voluntary advisers to join their ranks.

With the downturn in the economy the bureau is experiencing unusually high demand for its services.

And with so many people facing job losses and changes in their financial circumstances debt has rapidly become the highest enquiry area - closely followed by benefits.

Between April and September this year over £3m of debt was dealt with by the money advice worker – double that of the same period last year.

The average debt for individuals contacting the bureau rose to almost £23,000 during those months - with quite a number of clients owing more than £50,000. Because of the money problems the bureau has also seen an upsurge in clients facing relationship breakdown and house repossessions.

Deputy Manager Helen Donnelly said: “Pressure on family life and increased poverty is very evident.

“Getting advice quickly is often crucial in helping prevent an emergency and it is vital people don’t hide away from their problems.”

To bolster the work of existing volunteer advisors the bureau is looking for people who would like to make a difference by helping the community. Full training is provided.

Anyone aged 18 or over who has time to spare during the day on a regular basis, likes meeting people, being part of the team and solving problems would enjoy the challenge. Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau is an independent charity which currently employs eight people - six of whom are part time - and its service is heavily dependent on its seven trained volunteers. It operates from its offices at 277 High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire To arrange an informal chat about becoming a volunteer adviser contact Helen Donnelly on 01609-776551.